MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old vs Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£47
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£60
| MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old | Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Balblair |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 53.7% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £47 | £60.45 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old is better value at £47 vs £60.
For beginners: Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£47 vs £60.45)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£60.45 vs £47)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) 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.
Tasting notes
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Only Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Where to buy
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange