Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Ardbeg 10 Year Old - Early 2000s

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceArdbeg 10 Year Old - Early 2000s
DistilleryMortlachArdbeg
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%46%
Age23 yr10 yr
Price£208.33£150
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Ardbeg 10 Year Old - Early 2000s

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 10 Year Old - Early 2000s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ardbeg 10 Year Old - Early 2000s is better value at £150 vs £208.

For beginners: Ardbeg 10 Year Old - Early 2000s is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 10 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£208.33 vs £150)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Ardbeg 10 Year Old - Early 2000s

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£150 vs £208.33)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 10 Year Old - Early 2000s 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

SherriedChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Ardbeg 10 Year Old - Early 2000s

SmokeyMedicinalOilyFresh FruitLeathery

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