Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice vs Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's ChoiceMortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryMortlachMortlach
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.2%57%
Age20 yr26 yr
Price£305£383.95
Rating5.00/5

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value13/100

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £305 vs £384.

For beginners: Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£305 vs £383.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.2%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 20 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£383.95 vs £305)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - 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 Mortlach?

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - 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

ToastedHoneyOld Wood

Only Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice

Dried FruitSmokey

Only Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

VanillaMalt Extract

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