MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old vs Big Peat at Christmas 2016

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year OldBig Peat at Christmas 2016
DistilleryMacNair'sBig Peat
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%54.6%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£47£46.95
Rating5.00/54.00/5

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

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

Big Peat at Christmas 2016

Smoke67/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner40/100
Value85/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Big Peat at Christmas 2016

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Big Peat at Christmas 2016 is better value at £47 vs £47.

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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£47 vs £46.95)

Big Peat at Christmas 2016

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£46.95 vs £47)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)

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 Big?

Big Peat at Christmas 2016 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

Smokey

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Fresh FruitNuttyMalt ExtractToasted

Only Big Peat at Christmas 2016

MedicinalKipperyLeatheryDried Fruit

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