Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

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

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask FinishMortlach 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
DistilleryGlenglassaughMortlach
RegionHighlandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.8%59.4%
Age33 yr23 yr
Price£334.62£306.45
Rating5.00/5

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness54/100
Beginner60/100
Value15/100

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts is better value at £306 vs £335.

For beginners: Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 23 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£334.62 vs £306.45)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£306.45 vs £334.62)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (59.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Glenglassaugh?

Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish 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 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts 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

Old Wood

Only Glenglassaugh 33 Year Old 1978 - Madeira Style Wine Cask Finish

Dried FruitToastedCooked FruitHoney

Only Mortlach 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Malt ExtractSmokeyNutty

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