Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Murray McDavid
£220
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£208
| Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) | Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Murray McDavid | Mortlach |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 42.3% | 56.6% |
| Age | 31 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £219.6 | £208.33 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Quick verdict
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £208 vs £220.
For beginners: Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 23 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£219.6 vs £208.33)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£208.33 vs £219.6)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Malts?
Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended 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
Both taste of
Only Malts of Islay 31 Year Old 1989 - The Vatting (Murray McDavid)
Only Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice