Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014) vs Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Lagavulin
★ 4.00
£250

Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£150
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014) | Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.4% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £250 | £150 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Quick verdict
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) is better value at £150 vs £250.
For beginners: Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (54.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £150)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£150 vs £250)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014) 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 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Only Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange