Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Mortlach
£229
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 48.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £250 | £229 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £229 vs £250.
For beginners: Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
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 £229)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +More affordable (£229 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −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 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.
Who should buy Mortlach?
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange