MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old vs Clynelish 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year OldClynelish 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory)
DistilleryMacNair'sClynelish
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%43%
Age12 yr13 yr
Price£47£35.06
Rating5.00/5

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

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

Clynelish 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner100/100
Value0/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clynelish 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Clynelish 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory) is better value at £35 vs £47.

For beginners: Clynelish 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory) is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£47 vs £35.06)

Clynelish 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£35.06 vs £47)
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • 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 Clynelish?

Clynelish 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory) 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

Both taste of

Malt Extract

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokeyFresh FruitNuttyToasted

Only Clynelish 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory)

OilyLeatheryOld WoodHoney

Explore more