MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A106 #9) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A106 #9) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryMacNair'sSignatory
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%57.9%
Age21 yr18 yr
Price£125£199.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A106 #9) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A106 #9) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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 £200.

For beginners: Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A106 #9) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 £199.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A106 #9) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£199.95 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 Secret?

Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A106 #9) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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

Both taste of

SherriedDried Fruit

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

SmokeyOily

Only Secret Speyside 18 Year Old 2005 (cask DRU17 A106 #9) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

HoneyVanillaOld Wood

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