Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1991 (cask 16883) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceBruichladdich 28 Year Old 1991 (cask 16883) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
DistilleryMortlachBruichladdich
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%50.7%
Age23 yr28 yr
Price£208.33£273.08
Rating5.00/53.67/5

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value24/100

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1991 (cask 16883) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value13/100

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1991 (cask 16883) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.67).

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £208 vs £273.

For beginners: Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (35/100 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 £273.08)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1991 (cask 16883) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 23 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£273.08 vs £208.33)
  • Lower community rating (3.7 vs 5.0)

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 Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1991 (cask 16883) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried FruitOld Wood

Only Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

SherriedChocolateToasted

Only Bruichladdich 28 Year Old 1991 (cask 16883) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

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