Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
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 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Mortlach
£237
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 55.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £299 | £236.8 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is better value at £237 vs £299.
For beginners: Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (35/100 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 £236.8)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£236.8 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.2%) — may need water
- −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 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) 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 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10321) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)