Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) vs Mortlach 16 Year Old 1997 (cask 797679) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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

Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)Mortlach 16 Year Old 1997 (cask 797679) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryBunnahabhainMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.2%54.8%
Age15 yr16 yr
Price£130£115.01
Rating5.00/5

Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value38/100

Mortlach 16 Year Old 1997 (cask 797679) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 16 Year Old 1997 (cask 797679) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mortlach 16 Year Old 1997 (cask 797679) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £115 vs £130.

For beginners: Mortlach 16 Year Old 1997 (cask 797679) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£130 vs £115.01)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Mortlach 16 Year Old 1997 (cask 797679) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£115.01 vs £130)
  • +Longer maturation (16 vs 15 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive) 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.

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 16 Year Old 1997 (cask 797679) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 Bunnahabhain 15 Year Old 2006 (cask 15474) - Old Particular Fanatical About Flavour (Douglas Laing) (Master of Malt Exclusive)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

Only Mortlach 16 Year Old 1997 (cask 797679) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SherriedToastedHoneyTobaccoNutty

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