MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Cooley 17 Year Old 1999 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Cooley 17 Year Old 1999 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryMacNair'sCooley
Region
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%52.9%
Age21 yr17 yr
Price£125£144.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Cooley 17 Year Old 1999 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Cooley 17 Year Old 1999 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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: Cooley 17 Year Old 1999 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

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 £144.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Cooley 17 Year Old 1999 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (52.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£144.95 vs £125)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Cooley?

Cooley 17 Year Old 1999 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

Only Cooley 17 Year Old 1999 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Malt ExtractVanillaFresh FruitHoney

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