Caperdonich 20 Year Old 1992 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Caperdonich 20 Year Old 1992 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryCaperdonichMacNair's
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV54.6%48%
Age20 yr21 yr
Price£90.89£125
Rating5.00/5

Caperdonich 20 Year Old 1992 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness37/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caperdonich 20 Year Old 1992 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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).

Caperdonich 20 Year Old 1992 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £91 vs £125.

For beginners: Caperdonich 20 Year Old 1992 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caperdonich 20 Year Old 1992 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£90.89 vs £125)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — 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)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 20 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £90.89)

Who should buy Caperdonich?

Caperdonich 20 Year Old 1992 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 Caperdonich 20 Year Old 1992 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

NuttyToastedOld WoodMalt Extract

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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