Braeval 30 Year Old (cask 15542) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Braeval 30 Year Old (cask 15542) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryBraeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)Mortlach
RegionSpeysideSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV50.2%57%
Age30 yr26 yr
Price£366£383.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Braeval 30 Year Old (cask 15542) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value14/100

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value13/100

Braeval 30 Year Old (cask 15542) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Braeval 30 Year Old (cask 15542) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £366 vs £384.

For beginners: Braeval 30 Year Old (cask 15542) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Braeval 30 Year Old (cask 15542) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£366 vs £383.95)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 26 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.2%) — may need water

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£383.95 vs £366)

Who should buy Braeval?

Braeval 30 Year Old (cask 15542) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Braeval 30 Year Old (cask 15542) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SherriedDried FruitChocolate

Only Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToasted

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