Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Bowmore
£269

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£208
| Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) | 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 | 52.8% | 56.6% |
| Age | 18 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £268.95 | £208.33 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
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 0.00).
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £208 vs £269.
For beginners: Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£268.95 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 £268.95)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) 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
Only Bowmore 18 Year Old 2002 (Release No.11717) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Only Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice