Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryHakushuMortlach
RegionSpeyside
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43.5%56.6%
Age12 yr23 yr
Price£199£208.33
Rating4.33/55.00/5

Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005

Smoke0/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner60/100
Value22/100

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

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

Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005

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 4.33).

Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 is better value at £199 vs £208.

For beginners: Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £208.33)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)

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

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£208.33 vs £199)

Who should buy Hakushu?

Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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 Hakushu 12 Year Old - Pre 2005

Fresh FruitLeafyGreen-HouseMalt Extract

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

SherriedChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

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