Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Mortlach
★ 5.00
£208
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 56.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £299 | £208.33 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Quick verdict
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 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £208.33)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£208.33 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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 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 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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Mortlach 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 5887) - Mackillop's Choice
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange