MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
DistilleryMacNair'sStrathisla
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%55.6%
Age21 yr15 yr
Price£125£135.38
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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 £135.

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
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£125 vs £135.38)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£135.38 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 Strathisla?

Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedDried Fruit

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

SmokeyOily

Only Strathisla 15 Year Old 2008 (cask 21600502) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

HoneyNuttyVanilla

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