Bowmore 15 Year Old Mariner - 2010s vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 15 Year Old Mariner - 2010s
Bowmore
★ 4.80
£150
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£208
| Bowmore 15 Year Old Mariner - 2010s | Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.6% |
| Age | 15 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £150 | £208.33 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 15 Year Old Mariner - 2010s
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Bowmore 15 Year Old Mariner - 2010s
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Quick verdict
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
Bowmore 15 Year Old Mariner - 2010s is better value at £150 vs £208.
For beginners: Bowmore 15 Year Old Mariner - 2010s is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 15 Year Old Mariner - 2010s
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 15 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£208.33 vs £150)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 15 Year Old Mariner - 2010s 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 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
Only Bowmore 15 Year Old Mariner - 2010s
Only Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice