Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)
DistilleryLagavulinMortlach
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%49%
Age12 yr20 yr
Price£250£179.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) is more approachable (45/100 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 £179.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£179.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

Only Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

SherriedDried FruitMalt ExtractToasted

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Mortlach 20 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish (Darkness)

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