Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryCaol IlaMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59%56.6%
Age12 yr23 yr
Price£199£208.33
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is better value at £199 vs £208.

For beginners: Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £208.33)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (59%) — may need water
  • 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)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 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 Caol?

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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 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

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokeyMedicinalOily

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

ChocolateToastedOld Wood

Where to buy

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2012 (cask 53.492) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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

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