Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£208
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Mortlach | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.6% | 57.7% |
| Age | 23 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £208.33 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £208 vs £299.
For beginners: Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£208.33 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £208.33)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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.
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 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Where to buy
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange