MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Bowmore 18 Year Old
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
Bowmore 18 Year Old
Bowmore
★ 4.37
£129
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Bowmore 18 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Bowmore |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 43% |
| Age | 21 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £125 | £129 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.37/5 |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Bowmore 18 Year Old
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Bowmore 18 Year Old
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.37).
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £129.
For beginners: Bowmore 18 Year Old 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 £129)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Bowmore 18 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£129 vs £125)
- −Lower community rating (4.4 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 Bowmore?
Bowmore 18 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Only Bowmore 18 Year Old