MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Clynelish 10 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)Clynelish 10 Year Old (Special Release 2023)
DistilleryMacNair'sClynelish
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%57.5%
Age21 yr10 yr
Price£125£125
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Clynelish 10 Year Old (Special Release 2023)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Clynelish 10 Year Old (Special Release 2023)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Clynelish 10 Year Old (Special Release 2023) is better value at £125 vs £125.

For beginners: Clynelish 10 Year Old (Special Release 2023) is more approachable (50/100 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 10 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Clynelish 10 Year Old (Special Release 2023)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57.5%) — 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 Clynelish?

Clynelish 10 Year Old (Special Release 2023) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

Only Clynelish 10 Year Old (Special Release 2023)

HoneyVanillaMalt ExtractNew Wood

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