Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1996 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1996 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryLoch LomondMacNair's
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainBlended Malt
ABV55.9%48%
Age25 yr21 yr
Price£150.96£125
Rating5.00/5

Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1996 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value40/100

Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1996 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £151.

For beginners: Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1996 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1996 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150.96 vs £125)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 affordable (£125 vs £150.96)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Loch?

Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1996 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) 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 Loch Lomond 25 Year Old 1996 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

HoneyVanillaFresh FruitOld Wood

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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