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)Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryBowmoreMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.8%56.6%
Age18 yr23 yr
Price£268.95£208.33
Rating5.00/5

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

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

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

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 £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)

VanillaCitricSmokeyFragantFresh Fruit

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

SherriedChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

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