Bruichladdich 17 Year Old XVII vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bruichladdich 17 Year Old XVII
Bruichladdich
£199

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£208
| Bruichladdich 17 Year Old XVII | Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bruichladdich | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.6% |
| Age | 17 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £199 | £208.33 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bruichladdich 17 Year Old XVII
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Bruichladdich 17 Year Old XVII
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).
Bruichladdich 17 Year Old XVII is better value at £199 vs £208.
For beginners: Bruichladdich 17 Year Old XVII is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Bruichladdich 17 Year Old XVII
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £208.33)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 17 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£208.33 vs £199)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bruichladdich?
Bruichladdich 17 Year Old XVII 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
Only Bruichladdich 17 Year Old XVII
Only Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice