MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Blair Athol
£115
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Blair Athol |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 57.8% |
| Age | 21 yr | 14 yr |
| Price | £125 | £115.15 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £115 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
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 14 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£125 vs £115.15)
Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +More affordable (£115.15 vs £125)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −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 Blair?
Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - 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
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Only Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)