MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old vs Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year OldDeanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
DistilleryMacNair'sDeanston
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%58.7%
Age12 yr9 yr
Price£47£49.96
Rating5.00/55.00/5

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

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

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner40/100
Value100/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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).

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£47 vs £49.96)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£49.96 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 Deanston?

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Fresh Fruit

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokeyNuttyMalt ExtractToasted

Only Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Cooked FruitVanillaSherried

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