Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Mortlach 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 5185) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 5185) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Mortlach
£190
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Mortlach 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 5185) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Mortlach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £250 | £189.62 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 5185) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 5185) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 5185) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) is better value at £190 vs £250.
For beginners: Mortlach 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 5185) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) is more approachable (75/100 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 £189.62)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Mortlach 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 5185) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£189.62 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
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 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 5185) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Mortlach 25 Year Old 1990 (cask 5185) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)