Glenlivet 38 Year Old 1973 (Berry Bros. & Rudd) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glenlivet 38 Year Old 1973 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
The Glenlivet
★ 5.00
£157
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| Glenlivet 38 Year Old 1973 (Berry Bros. & Rudd) | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Glenlivet | MacNair's |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 47.6% | 48% |
| Age | 38 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £156.63 | £125 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glenlivet 38 Year Old 1973 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Glenlivet 38 Year Old 1973 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £157.
For beginners: Glenlivet 38 Year Old 1973 (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Glenlivet 38 Year Old 1973 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (38 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£156.63 vs £125)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£125 vs £156.63)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Glenlivet?
Glenlivet 38 Year Old 1973 (Berry Bros. & Rudd) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy MacNair's?
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Glenlivet 38 Year Old 1973 (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)