Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2024)

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 2024)
DistilleryMortlachLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.6%57.4%
Age23 yr12 yr
Price£208.33£155
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 2024)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2024)

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 2024) is better value at £155 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 £155)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2024)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£155 vs £208.33)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 2024) 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 2024)

SmokeyOilyMedicinalFresh Fruit

Explore more