Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Mortlach 32 Year Old 1971 (Special Release 2004)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Mortlach 32 Year Old 1971 (Special Release 2004)
DistilleryLagavulinMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%50.1%
Age12 yr32 yr
Price£250£299.59
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Mortlach 32 Year Old 1971 (Special Release 2004)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 32 Year Old 1971 (Special Release 2004)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £300.

For beginners: Mortlach 32 Year Old 1971 (Special Release 2004) 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 affordable (£250 vs £299.59)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Mortlach 32 Year Old 1971 (Special Release 2004)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299.59 vs £250)
  • 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 32 Year Old 1971 (Special Release 2004) 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Mortlach 32 Year Old 1971 (Special Release 2004)

Old WoodSherriedHoneyDried FruitToasted

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Mortlach 32 Year Old 1971 (Special Release 2004)

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