Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceBowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryMortlachBowmore
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%54.7%
Age23 yr21 yr
Price£208.33£189.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness62/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £190 vs £208.

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)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£208.33 vs £189.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£189.95 vs £208.33)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • 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 Bowmore?

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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

SherriedOld Wood

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

ChocolateToastedDried Fruit

Only Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokeyHoneyFresh Fruit

Where to buy

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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