Balmenach 23 Year Old 1988 (Adelphi) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balmenach 23 Year Old 1988 (Adelphi)
Balmenach
£95
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| Balmenach 23 Year Old 1988 (Adelphi) | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balmenach | MacNair's |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 54.2% | 48% |
| Age | 23 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £95.06 | £125 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balmenach 23 Year Old 1988 (Adelphi)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Balmenach 23 Year Old 1988 (Adelphi)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balmenach 23 Year Old 1988 (Adelphi) is better value at £95 vs £125.
For beginners: Balmenach 23 Year Old 1988 (Adelphi) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Balmenach 23 Year Old 1988 (Adelphi)
Pros
- +More affordable (£95.06 vs £125)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£125 vs £95.06)
Who should buy Balmenach?
Balmenach 23 Year Old 1988 (Adelphi) 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.
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 Balmenach 23 Year Old 1988 (Adelphi)
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)