MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old vs Islay Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year OldIslay Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryMacNair'sThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%45.8%
Age12 yr8 yr
Price£47£41.95
Rating5.00/54.00/5

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

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

Islay Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner50/100
Value95/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Islay Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Islay Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £42 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)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£47 vs £41.95)

Islay Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£41.95 vs £47)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Islay?

Islay Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Fresh FruitNuttyMalt ExtractToasted

Only Islay Whisky 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

CitricMedicinalOilyKippery

Explore more