Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Mortlach 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 4243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryMortlach 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 4243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryLagavulinMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%56.3%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£299£224.52
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 4243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner35/100
Value22/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 4243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 4243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £225 vs £299.

For beginners: Mortlach 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 4243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £224.52)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Mortlach 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 4243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£224.52 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.3%) — 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 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 4243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Mortlach 25 Year Old 1991 (cask 4243) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateToastedNutty

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