North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
North British
£96
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North British | MacNair's |
| Region | Lowland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 55% | 48% |
| Age | 31 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £96.08 | £125 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is better value at £96 vs £125.
For beginners: North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£96.08 vs £125)
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (55%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£125 vs £96.08)
Who should buy North?
North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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 North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)