Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Mortlach
£240
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 56.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 19 yr |
| Price | £250 | £240 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) is better value at £240 vs £250.
For beginners: Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
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 (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £240)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Pros
- +More affordable (£240 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.9%) — 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 2017) 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 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) 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 2017)
Only Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)