Arran 17 Year Old (2014 Release) vs Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

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

Arran 17 Year Old (2014 Release)Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
DistilleryArranMortlach
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%55.9%
Age17 yr13 yr
Price£199£150
Rating4.67/55.00/5

Arran 17 Year Old (2014 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value23/100

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner35/100
Value33/100

Arran 17 Year Old (2014 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is better value at £150 vs £199.

For beginners: Arran 17 Year Old (2014 Release) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Arran 17 Year Old (2014 Release)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 13 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£199 vs £150)
  • Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£150 vs £199)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water

Who should buy Arran?

Arran 17 Year Old (2014 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) 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

ToastedVanilla

Only Arran 17 Year Old (2014 Release)

SherriedDried FruitHoney

Only Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

New WoodMalt Extract

Explore more