Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryCaol IlaMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV59.1%56.6%
Age15 yr23 yr
Price£199£208.33
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner50/100
Value25/100

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

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

Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) is better value at £199 vs £208.

For beginners: Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £208.33)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (59.1%) — may need water

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

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 15 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£208.33 vs £199)

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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

Sherried

Only Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)

HoneyVanillaFresh Fruit

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

ChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

Where to buy

Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)

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

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