Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Mortlach
£229
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 48.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £299 | £229 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £229 vs £299.
For beginners: Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £229)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +More affordable (£229 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Mortlach 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 7911318) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)