Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask vs Mortlach 25 Year Old 1993 (cask 4469) (Adelphi)

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

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single CaskMortlach 25 Year Old 1993 (cask 4469) (Adelphi)
DistilleryTomintoulMortlach
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.9%56%
Age31 yr25 yr
Price£223.7£218
Rating5.00/5

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value22/100

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1993 (cask 4469) (Adelphi)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1993 (cask 4469) (Adelphi)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1993 (cask 4469) (Adelphi) is better value at £218 vs £224.

For beginners: Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 25 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£223.7 vs £218)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1993 (cask 4469) (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£218 vs £223.7)

Cons

  • High ABV (56%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Tomintoul?

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask 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 25 Year Old 1993 (cask 4469) (Adelphi) 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

Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Old WoodHoneyVanillaDried FruitToasted

Only Mortlach 25 Year Old 1993 (cask 4469) (Adelphi)

SmokeyLeatheryOily

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