Kilchoman Inaugural 100% Islay vs Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

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

Kilchoman Inaugural 100% IslayMortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
DistilleryKilchomanMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50%55.9%
Age3 yr13 yr
Price£199£150
Rating5.00/5

Kilchoman Inaugural 100% Islay

Smoke64/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner35/100
Value33/100

Kilchoman Inaugural 100% Islay

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is better value at £150 vs £199.

For beginners: Kilchoman Inaugural 100% Islay is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Kilchoman Inaugural 100% Islay

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£199 vs £150)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£150 vs £199)
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 3 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Kilchoman?

Kilchoman Inaugural 100% Islay suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) 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

New Wood

Only Kilchoman Inaugural 100% Islay

SmokeyFresh FruitHoney

Only Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

VanillaMalt ExtractToasted

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