Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryMortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi)
DistilleryLagavulinMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%56.1%
Age12 yr26 yr
Price£299£217.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi) is better value at £218 vs £299.

For beginners: Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

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 £217.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£217.95 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi) 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 Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi)

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitToastedNutty

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