Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers) vs Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

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

Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
DistilleryThree RiversMortlach
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV58.9%55.9%
Age6 yr13 yr
Price£225£150
Rating5.00/5

Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner35/100
Value33/100

Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is better value at £150 vs £225.

For beginners: Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£225 vs £150)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£150 vs £225)
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 6 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Islay?

Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers) 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 Mortlach?

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) 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

Toasted

Only Islay 6 Year Old 2009 (Three Rivers)

SmokeySherriedOilyDried Fruit

Only Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

VanillaNew WoodMalt Extract

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