MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)
DistilleryMacNair'sMaster of Malt
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%54.4%
Age21 yr22 yr
Price£125£99.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner65/100
Value50/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt) is better value at £100 vs £125.

For beginners: Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £99.95)

Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£99.95 vs £125)
  • +Longer maturation (22 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.4%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 Secret?

Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (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 Secret Highland Distillery 22 Year Old 1996 (Master of Malt)

Old WoodHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

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