Mortlach 25 Year Old vs Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 73) - For James' Retirement
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Mortlach 25 Year Old
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£583

Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 73) - For James' Retirement
Laphroaig
£799
| Mortlach 25 Year Old | Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 73) - For James' Retirement | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Mortlach | Laphroaig |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43.4% | 54.5% |
| Age | 25 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £582.95 | £799 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Mortlach 25 Year Old
Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 73) - For James' Retirement
Mortlach 25 Year Old
Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 73) - For James' Retirement
Quick verdict
Mortlach 25 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 25 Year Old is better value at £583 vs £799.
For beginners: Mortlach 25 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Mortlach 25 Year Old
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£582.95 vs £799)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 18 years)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 73) - For James' Retirement
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£799 vs £582.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Mortlach?
Mortlach 25 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Who should buy Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 73) - For James' Retirement 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 Mortlach 25 Year Old
Only Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 (cask 73) - For James' Retirement