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 OldBushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L)
DistilleryMacNair'sBushmills
Region
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV46%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£47£42.45
Rating5.00/55.00/5

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

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

Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner90/100
Value100/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokeyFresh FruitNuttyMalt ExtractToasted

Only Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateHoneyVanilla

Where to buy

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Bushmills Black Bush 80/20 PX Sherry Cask (1L)

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