MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Roseisle 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Roseisle 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)
DistilleryMacNair'sRoseisle
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%56.5%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£125£150
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Roseisle 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner35/100
Value33/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Roseisle 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £150.

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
  • +More affordable (£125 vs £150)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Roseisle 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 vs £125)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 Roseisle?

Roseisle 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023) 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

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

Only Roseisle 12 Year Old (Special Release 2023)

Malt ExtractVanillaFresh FruitToastedHoney

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