Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009 vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryBowmoreMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.1%56.6%
Age9 yr23 yr
Price£250£208.33
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009

Smoke68/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

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

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

Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009

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 £250.

For beginners: Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009 is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 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 £250)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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

SherriedChocolate

Only Bowmore 9 Year Old 1999 - Fèis Ìle 2009

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

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

ToastedDried FruitOld Wood

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