Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) vs Octomore 10.4 3 Year Old - Dialogos Virgin Oak

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

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)Octomore 10.4 3 Year Old - Dialogos Virgin Oak
DistilleryMortlachBruichladdich
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.9%63.5%
Age13 yr3 yr
Price£150£154
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner35/100
Value33/100

Octomore 10.4 3 Year Old - Dialogos Virgin Oak

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value32/100

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Octomore 10.4 3 Year Old - Dialogos Virgin Oak

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is better value at £150 vs £154.

For beginners: Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£150 vs £154)
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 3 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Octomore 10.4 3 Year Old - Dialogos Virgin Oak

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (63.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£154 vs £150)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Mortlach?

Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021) 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 Octomore?

Octomore 10.4 3 Year Old - Dialogos Virgin Oak 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

Both taste of

New Wood

Only Mortlach 13 Year Old (Special Release 2021)

VanillaMalt ExtractToasted

Only Octomore 10.4 3 Year Old - Dialogos Virgin Oak

SmokeyCitric

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