Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength Edition vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength EditionMacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryEdradourMacNair's
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV50.9%48%
Age18 yr21 yr
Price£144.9£125
Rating5.00/5

Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength Edition

Smoke64/100
Sweetness33/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

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

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

Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength Edition

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 £145.

For beginners: MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (50.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£144.9 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 £144.9)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Edradour?

Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength Edition 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

Smokey

Only Edradour Ballechin 18 Year Old Batch 2 - Cask Strength Edition

LeatheryNuttyToastedFresh Fruit

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

SherriedDried FruitOily

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