MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old vs Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year OldArdbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old
DistilleryMacNair'sArdbeg
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%47.4%
Age12 yr5 yr
Price£47£33.95
Rating5.00/54.08/5

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

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

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old

Smoke68/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner55/100
Value100/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.08).

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old is better value at £34 vs £47.

For beginners: Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 5 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£47 vs £33.95)

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£33.95 vs £47)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.1 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 Ardbeg?

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyToasted

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Fresh FruitNuttyMalt Extract

Only Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old

MedicinalOily

Explore more