North British 33 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
North British 33 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
North British
£156
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| North British 33 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North British | MacNair's |
| Region | Lowland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 54.4% | 48% |
| Age | 33 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £156.05 | £125 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
North British 33 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
North British 33 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
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).
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £156.
For beginners: North British 33 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
North British 33 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£156.05 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 £156.05)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy North?
North British 33 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (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 North British 33 Year Old 1978 - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)