Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011) vs Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
DistilleryLagavulinMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.5%56.6%
Age12 yr23 yr
Price£299£208.33
Rating3.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value10/100

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value24/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £208 vs £299.

For beginners: Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (57.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £208.33)
  • Lower community rating (3.0 vs 5.0)

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£208.33 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011) 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 Mortlach?

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

Only Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

SherriedChocolateToastedDried Fruit

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice

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