MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old vs Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£47

Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L)
Bushmills
★ 5.00
£42
| MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old | Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Bushmills |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £47 | £42.45 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L)
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L)
Quick verdict
Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L) is better value at £42 vs £47.
For beginners: Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L) is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£47 vs £42.45)
Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£42.45 vs £47)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 Bushmills?
Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Only Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L)
Where to buy
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange