MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Craigellachie
£127
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Craigellachie |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 60.1% |
| Age | 21 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £125 | £126.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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 £127.
For beginners: Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (50/100 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 £126.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (60.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£126.95 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 Craigellachie?
Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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)
Only Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)