Ardbeg 1978 vs Mortlach 26 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ardbeg 1978 | Mortlach 26 Year Old (Special Release 2019) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 53.3% |
| Age | 20 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £999 | £1494.95 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | — |
Ardbeg 1978
Mortlach 26 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Ardbeg 1978
Mortlach 26 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg 1978 is rated higher (4.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 1978 is better value at £999 vs £1495.
For beginners: Ardbeg 1978 is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 1978
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.0/5)
- +More affordable (£999 vs £1494.95)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 26 Year Old (Special Release 2019)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 20 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1494.95 vs £999)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.0)
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 1978 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Mortlach?
Mortlach 26 Year Old (Special Release 2019) 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 Ardbeg 1978
Only Mortlach 26 Year Old (Special Release 2019)