Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 vs Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryGlenfiddichMortlach
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%48.4%
Age18 yr20 yr
Price£299£229
Rating5.00/5

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value17/100

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £229 vs £299.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£299 vs £229)

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£229 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Malt ExtractOld Wood

Only Glenfiddich 18 Year Old - Ancient Reserve Decanter - Pre 2007

VanillaHoneyFresh Fruit

Only Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

ToastedSherriedDried Fruit

Explore more