Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak 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 Sherry Oak
Bowmore
£269
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£208
| Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak | 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 | 46.8% | 56.6% |
| Age | 21 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £268.95 | £208.33 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak
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 21 Year Old Sherry Oak is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
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
Only Bowmore 21 Year Old Sherry Oak
Only Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice