The Matsui The Peated vs Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

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

The Matsui The PeatedMortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
DistilleryKurayoshiMortlach
RegionSpeyside
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%55.9%
AgeNAS13 yr
Price£117£150
Rating2.50/55.00/5

The Matsui The Peated

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value21/100

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

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

The Matsui The Peated

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.50).

The Matsui The Peated is better value at £117 vs £150.

For beginners: The Matsui The Peated is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

The Matsui The Peated

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£117 vs £150)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (2.5 vs 5.0)

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 vs £117)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy The?

The Matsui The Peated suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

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

ToastedNew Wood

Only The Matsui The Peated

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

VanillaMalt Extract

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