Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£208
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Caol Ila
£342
| Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice | Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Mortlach | Caol Ila |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.6% | 46% |
| Age | 23 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £208.33 | £341.55 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Quick verdict
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £208 vs £342.
For beginners: Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£208.33 vs £341.55)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£341.55 vs £208.33)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Mortlach?
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Only Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Only Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Where to buy
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange