Blanton's Special Reserve vs Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Blanton's Special Reserve
Blanton's
★ 4.38
£250

Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£150
| Blanton's Special Reserve | Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Blanton's | Mortlach |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | 15 yr |
| Price | £250 | £150 |
| Rating | 4.38/5 | 5.00/5 |
Blanton's Special Reserve
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Blanton's Special Reserve
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Quick verdict
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.38).
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) is better value at £150 vs £250.
For beginners: Blanton's Special Reserve is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Blanton's Special Reserve
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£250 vs £150)
- −Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£150 vs £250)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Blanton's?
Blanton's Special Reserve is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Who should buy Mortlach?
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Blanton's Special Reserve
Only Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)