Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) vs Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 76.114) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 76.114) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
DistilleryDalwhinnieMortlach
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.8%58%
Age25 yr26 yr
Price£331.43£399
Rating5.00/5

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value15/100

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 76.114) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke65/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 76.114) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) is better value at £331 vs £399.

For beginners: Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£331.43 vs £399)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 76.114) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 25 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (58%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399 vs £331.43)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Dalwhinnie?

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 76.114) - (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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Malt ExtractToasted

Only Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

HoneyVanillaFresh Fruit

Only Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 76.114) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

KipperySmokeyOily

Where to buy

Dalwhinnie 25 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2015)

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 76.114) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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