Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice vs Redbreast 21 Year Old

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

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's ChoiceRedbreast 21 Year Old
DistilleryMortlachRedbreast
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Pot Still
ABV50.2%46%
Age20 yr21 yr
Price£305£248
Rating4.55/5

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Redbreast 21 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value18/100

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Redbreast 21 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Redbreast 21 Year Old is rated higher (4.55 vs 0.00).

Redbreast 21 Year Old is better value at £248 vs £305.

For beginners: Redbreast 21 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (50.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£305 vs £248)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.6)

Redbreast 21 Year Old

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.6/5)
  • +More affordable (£248 vs £305)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 20 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - 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.

Who should buy Redbreast?

Redbreast 21 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Pot Still character.

Tasting notes

Only Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice

ToastedDried FruitHoneySmokeyOld Wood

Only Redbreast 21 Year Old

SherriedCooked FruitLeatheryTobacco

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