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)
Arran
★ 5.00
£150

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£150
| Arran 16 Year Old (2013 Release) | Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Arran | Mortlach |
| Region | Island | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 55.9% |
| Age | 16 yr | 13 yr |
| Price | £150 | £150 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Arran 16 Year Old (2013 Release)
Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
Arran 16 Year Old (2013 Release)
Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)
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
Only Arran 16 Year Old (2013 Release)
Only Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)