Lower East Side Blended Malt vs Mortlach 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 7179 + 7180) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

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

Lower East Side Blended MaltMortlach 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 7179 + 7180) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryLower East SideMortlach
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%46%
AgeNAS18 yr
Price£29.9£46.63
Rating5.00/5

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

Mortlach 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 7179 + 7180) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Lower East Side Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 7179 + 7180) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lower East Side Blended Malt is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £47.

For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Mortlach 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 7179 + 7180) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£46.63 vs £29.9)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Lower?

Lower East Side Blended Malt 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.

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 7179 + 7180) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Lower East Side Blended Malt

Fresh FruitHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

Only Mortlach 18 Year Old 1997 (casks 7179 + 7180) - Un-Chillfiltered Collection (Signatory)

LeatherySmokeyTobaccoOld Wood

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