MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)
DistilleryMacNair'sStrathisla
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%55.8%
Age21 yr13 yr
Price£125£194.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)

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 £195.

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 £194.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (55.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£194.95 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 Strathisla?

Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness) 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

Sherried

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

SmokeyDried FruitOily

Only Strathisla 13 Year Old Moscatel Cask Finish (Darkness)

Cooked FruitToastedTobaccoOld Wood

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