Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryCaol IlaMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%56.6%
Age23 yr23 yr
Price£341.55£208.33
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

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 £342.

For beginners: Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • More expensive (£341.55 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 £341.55)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

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

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) 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

Only Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

SmokeyOilyLeatheryMedicinal

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

SherriedChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

Where to buy

Caol Ila 23 Year Old 1993 (cask 631) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)

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

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