Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryGlen SpeyMacNair's
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV50.4%48%
Age21 yr21 yr
Price£133.99£125
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner60/100
Value37/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value40/100

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £134.

For beginners: Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£133.99 vs £125)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£125 vs £133.99)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy MacNair's?

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) 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

Only Glen Spey 21 Year Old (Special Release 2010)

Fresh FruitCitricVanillaHoneyOld Wood

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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