Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky
Mortlach
£205
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Mortlach | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £205 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky is better value at £205 vs £250.
For beginners: Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£205 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
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 (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £205)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Mortlach?
Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) 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 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)