MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Bruichladdich 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Bruichladdich 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryMacNair'sBruichladdich
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%47.4%
Age21 yr23 yr
Price£125£109.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Bruichladdich 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value45/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bruichladdich 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bruichladdich 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £110 vs £125.

For beginners: MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (45/100 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 £109.95)

Bruichladdich 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£109.95 vs £125)
  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • 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 Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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

SmokeyOily

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

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Bruichladdich 23 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

MedicinalKipperyVegetative

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