MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs North British 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 39900) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
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
North British 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 39900) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
North British
★ 5.00
£177
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | North British 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 39900) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | North British |
| Region | — | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 48% | 53.7% |
| Age | 21 yr | 35 yr |
| Price | £125 | £177.31 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
North British 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 39900) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
North British 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 39900) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £177.
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 £177.31)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
North British 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 39900) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£177.31 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 North?
North British 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 39900) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) 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 North British 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 39900) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)