Arran 16 Year Old (2013 Release) vs Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

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

Arran 16 Year Old (2013 Release)Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
DistilleryArranMortlach
RegionIslandSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%55.9%
Age16 yr13 yr
Price£150£150
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Arran 16 Year Old (2013 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner75/100
Value33/100

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

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

Arran 16 Year Old (2013 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

For beginners: Arran 16 Year Old (2013 Release) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Arran 16 Year Old (2013 Release)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (16 vs 13 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water

Who should buy Arran?

Arran 16 Year Old (2013 Release) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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

Vanilla

Only Arran 16 Year Old (2013 Release)

SherriedHoneyOld WoodDried Fruit

Only Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

New WoodMalt ExtractToasted

Explore more