Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020) vs Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish

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

Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020)Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish
DistilleryMortlachGlenglassaugh
RegionSpeysideHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.9%44.8%
Age21 yr33 yr
Price£555£334.62
Rating5.00/5

Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness54/100
Beginner60/100
Value15/100

Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish is better value at £335 vs £555.

For beginners: Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£555 vs £334.62)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£334.62 vs £555)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020) 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 Glenglassaugh?

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Cooked FruitDried Fruit

Only Mortlach 21 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

SherriedChocolateTobacco

Only Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish

ToastedOld WoodHoney

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