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)Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)
DistilleryLagavulinMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV54.4%43%
Age12 yr15 yr
Price£250£150
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value16/100

Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner55/100
Value33/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)

MedicinalOily

Only Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)

NuttyToastedOld Wood

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2014)

Mortlach 15 Year Old - Distillery Labels (Gordon & MacPhail) (43%)

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