Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky
Mortlach
£205
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £205 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky is better value at £205 vs £250.
For beginners: Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky is more approachable (70/100 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 £205)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£205 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Mortlach 2003 / 21 Year Old / Bourbon Cask / Signatory for The Whisky Exchange Speyside Whisky