Bowmore 25 Year Old vs Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Bowmore 25 Year OldMortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryBowmoreMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%57%
Age25 yr26 yr
Price£402.5£383.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Bowmore 25 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value12/100

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value13/100

Bowmore 25 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £384 vs £403.

For beginners: Bowmore 25 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 25 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£402.5 vs £383.95)

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£383.95 vs £402.5)
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 25 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 25 Year Old 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 26 Year Old 1987 - 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Bowmore 25 Year Old

SmokeySherriedChocolateDried Fruit

Only Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToasted

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