MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old vs Aberlour 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 13742) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year OldAberlour 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 13742) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)
DistilleryMacNair'sAberlour
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%50%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£47£67.95
Rating5.00/5

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

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

Aberlour 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 13742) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Aberlour 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 13742) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old is better value at £47 vs £68.

For beginners: Aberlour 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 13742) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (75/100 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 affordable (£47 vs £67.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Aberlour 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 13742) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£67.95 vs £47)
  • 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 Aberlour?

Aberlour 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 13742) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing) 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 Aberlour 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 13742) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

SherriedHoneyDried FruitOld WoodVanilla

Where to buy

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Aberlour 21 Year Old 1995 (cask 13742) - The Old Malt Cask (Hunter Laing)

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