Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) 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 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi)
Mortlach
£218
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 56.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £250 | £217.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi) is better value at £218 vs £250.
For beginners: Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi) is more approachable (35/100 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 £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 £250)
- +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 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 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 2017)
Only Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1987 (cask 4466) (Adelphi)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange