Mortlach 1994 (bottled 2017) (cask 17039) - Malts of Scotland vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Mortlach 1994 (bottled 2017) (cask 17039) - Malts of Scotland
Mortlach
£242

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Mortlach 1994 (bottled 2017) (cask 17039) - Malts of Scotland | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Mortlach | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 62% | 57.7% |
| Age | 23 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £241.52 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Mortlach 1994 (bottled 2017) (cask 17039) - Malts of Scotland
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Mortlach 1994 (bottled 2017) (cask 17039) - Malts of Scotland
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 1994 (bottled 2017) (cask 17039) - Malts of Scotland is better value at £242 vs £299.
For beginners: Mortlach 1994 (bottled 2017) (cask 17039) - Malts of Scotland is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Mortlach 1994 (bottled 2017) (cask 17039) - Malts of Scotland
Pros
- +More affordable (£241.52 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (62%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £241.52)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Mortlach?
Mortlach 1994 (bottled 2017) (cask 17039) - Malts of Scotland 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 Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 Mortlach 1994 (bottled 2017) (cask 17039) - Malts of Scotland
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary