Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1994 (cask 347624) - The Duncan Taylor Single vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1994 (cask 347624) - The Duncan Taylor SingleMortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryArdbegMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.9%56.6%
Age21 yr23 yr
Price£320.57£208.33
Rating5.00/5

Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1994 (cask 347624) - The Duncan Taylor Single

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value24/100

Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1994 (cask 347624) - The Duncan Taylor Single

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £208 vs £321.

For beginners: Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1994 (cask 347624) - The Duncan Taylor Single

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (51.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£320.57 vs £208.33)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£208.33 vs £320.57)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1994 (cask 347624) - The Duncan Taylor Single 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 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1994 (cask 347624) - The Duncan Taylor Single

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinal

Only Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

SherriedChocolateToastedDried Fruit

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