Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

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

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's ChoiceLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)
DistilleryMortlachLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%57.3%
Age23 yr12 yr
Price£208.33£150
Rating5.00/5

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value24/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

Smoke66/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022) is better value at £150 vs £208.

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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£208.33 vs £150)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£150 vs £208.33)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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 2022) 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

SherriedChocolateToastedDried FruitOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

SmokeyMedicinalNew WoodCoal-gas

Where to buy

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2022)

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