Big Peat at Christmas 2018 vs MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2018MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
DistilleryBig PeatMacNair's
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV53.9%46%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£49.95£47
Rating4.43/55.00/5

Big Peat at Christmas 2018

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner40/100
Value89/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2018

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.43).

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

For beginners: MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Big Peat at Christmas 2018

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£49.95 vs £47)
  • Lower community rating (4.4 vs 5.0)

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 Big?

Big Peat at Christmas 2018 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 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

Smokey

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2018

Dried FruitLeatheryOily

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Fresh FruitNuttyMalt ExtractToasted

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