Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
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 Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Mortlach
£180
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 49% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £250 | £179.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) is more approachable (45/100 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 £179.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£179.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange