Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten GemsMortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryBruichladdichMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.5%56.6%
Age28 yr23 yr
Price£229.95£208.33
Rating5.00/5

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

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

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

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

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 £230.

For beginners: Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 23 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£229.95 vs £208.33)
  • 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)
  • +More affordable (£208.33 vs £229.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems 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

Old Wood

Only Bruichladdich 28 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

SmokeyLeathery

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

SherriedChocolateToastedDried Fruit

Explore more