Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryBowmoreMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.7%56.6%
Age21 yr23 yr
Price£189.95£208.33
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness62/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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).

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £190 vs £208.

For beginners: Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£189.95 vs £208.33)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • 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)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£208.33 vs £189.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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

SherriedOld Wood

Only Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokeyHoneyFresh Fruit

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

ChocolateToastedDried Fruit

Where to buy

Bowmore 21 Year Old 1995 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

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