Wild Turkey 12 Year Old Distiller's Reserve vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Wild Turkey 12 Year Old Distiller's ReserveMacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryWild TurkeyMacNair's
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonBlended Malt
ABV50.5%48%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£167.53£125
Rating3.50/55.00/5

Wild Turkey 12 Year Old Distiller's Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value21/100

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

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

Wild Turkey 12 Year Old Distiller's Reserve

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 3.50).

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £168.

For beginners: Wild Turkey 12 Year Old Distiller's Reserve is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Wild Turkey 12 Year Old Distiller's Reserve

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (50.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£167.53 vs £125)
  • Lower community rating (3.5 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 £167.53)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Wild?

Wild Turkey 12 Year Old Distiller's Reserve 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

Both taste of

Oily

Only Wild Turkey 12 Year Old Distiller's Reserve

VanillaToastedMalt ExtractHoney

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

SmokeySherriedDried Fruit

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