Caol Ila 31 Year Old 1979 (cask 5305) - Mackillop's Choice vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 31 Year Old 1979 (cask 5305) - Mackillop's Choice
Caol Ila
£128
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| Caol Ila 31 Year Old 1979 (cask 5305) - Mackillop's Choice | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | MacNair's |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 58% | 48% |
| Age | 31 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £127.95 | £125 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 31 Year Old 1979 (cask 5305) - Mackillop's Choice
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Caol Ila 31 Year Old 1979 (cask 5305) - Mackillop's Choice
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).
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £128.
For beginners: MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 31 Year Old 1979 (cask 5305) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£127.95 vs £125)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 affordable (£125 vs £127.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 31 Year Old 1979 (cask 5305) - Mackillop's Choice 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 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
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 31 Year Old 1979 (cask 5305) - Mackillop's Choice
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)