Balblair 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

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

Balblair 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
DistilleryBalblairMacNair's
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV49.7%46%
Age9 yr12 yr
Price£49.95£47
Rating5.00/5

Balblair 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness38/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Balblair 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old is better value at £47 vs £50.

For beginners: Balblair 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Balblair 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • More expensive (£49.95 vs £47)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£47 vs £49.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Balblair?

Balblair 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Who should buy MacNair's?

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

ToastedMalt Extract

Only Balblair 9 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

HoneyVanilla

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokeyFresh FruitNutty

Explore more