Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£154
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£208
| Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.1% | 56.6% |
| Age | 29 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £154.1 | £208.33 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £154 vs £208.
For beginners: Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£154.1 vs £208.33)
- +Longer maturation (29 vs 23 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£208.33 vs £154.1)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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
Only Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1982 Cask 6485 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Only Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice