MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Reservoir Rye

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Reservoir Rye
DistilleryMacNair'sReservoir Distillery
Region
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeBlended MaltRye
ABV48%50%
Age21 yrNAS
Price£125£98.9
Rating5.00/54.00/5

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

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

Reservoir Rye

Smoke0/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value40/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Reservoir Rye

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Reservoir Rye is better value at £99 vs £125.

For beginners: Reservoir Rye is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £98.9)

Reservoir Rye

Pros

  • +More affordable (£98.9 vs £125)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Reservoir?

Reservoir Rye suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Rye character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Oily

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

SmokeySherriedDried Fruit

Only Reservoir Rye

SolventNew WoodHusky

Explore more