Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016 vs Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryLagavulinMortlach
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.5%57%
Age18 yr26 yr
Price£599£383.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value13/100

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £384 vs £599.

For beginners: Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£599 vs £383.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£383.95 vs £599)
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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 18 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016

SmokeySherriedFresh FruitCooked FruitOily

Only Mortlach 26 Year Old 1987 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Old WoodHoneyVanillaMalt ExtractToasted

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