Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice vs Littlemill 12 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice
Mortlach
£305

Littlemill 12 Year Old
Littlemill
★ 4.75
£299
| Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice | Littlemill 12 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Mortlach | Littlemill |
| Region | Speyside | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.2% | 40% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £305 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 4.75/5 |
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice
Littlemill 12 Year Old
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice
Littlemill 12 Year Old
Quick verdict
Littlemill 12 Year Old is rated higher (4.75 vs 0.00).
Littlemill 12 Year Old is better value at £299 vs £305.
For beginners: Littlemill 12 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (50.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£305 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
Littlemill 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
- +More affordable (£299 vs £305)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Mortlach?
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice 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 Littlemill?
Littlemill 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.
Tasting notes
Only Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 2977) - Mackillop's Choice
Only Littlemill 12 Year Old