Caol Ila 12 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2010) 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 Unpeated (Special Release 2010)Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryCaol IlaMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.6%56.6%
Age12 yr23 yr
Price£199£208.33
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 12 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2010)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
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 Unpeated (Special Release 2010)

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 Unpeated (Special Release 2010) is better value at £199 vs £208.

For beginners: Caol Ila 12 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 12 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2010)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £208.33)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.6%) — 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)

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 12 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2010) 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

Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2010)

VanillaFresh FruitOilyYeastyMalt Extract

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

SherriedChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

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