Laphroaig 15 Year Old - Forgotten Gems vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Laphroaig 15 Year Old - Forgotten GemsMortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryLaphroaigMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.8%56.6%
Age15 yr23 yr
Price£169.95£208.33
Rating5.00/5

Laphroaig 15 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

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

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

Laphroaig 15 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

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 0.00).

Laphroaig 15 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is better value at £170 vs £208.

For beginners: Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Laphroaig 15 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£169.95 vs £208.33)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 15 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£208.33 vs £169.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 15 Year Old - Forgotten Gems 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.

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 15 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

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

SherriedChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

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