Laphroaig 10 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Laphroaig 10 Year Old - Pre 2013Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryLaphroaigMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%56.6%
Age10 yr23 yr
Price£150£208.33
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Laphroaig 10 Year Old - Pre 2013

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value33/100

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

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

Laphroaig 10 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Laphroaig 10 Year Old - Pre 2013 is better value at £150 vs £208.

For beginners: Laphroaig 10 Year Old - Pre 2013 is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Laphroaig 10 Year Old - Pre 2013

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£150 vs £208.33)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 10 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£208.33 vs £150)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 10 Year Old - Pre 2013 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 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 Laphroaig 10 Year Old - Pre 2013

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

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

SherriedChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

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