MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Smögen 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Smögen 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryMacNair'sSmögen
Region
CountryScotlandSweden
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%60.3%
Age21 yr8 yr
Price£125£132.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Smögen 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner35/100
Value38/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Smögen 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £133.

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 £132.95)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Smögen 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (60.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£132.95 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 Smögen?

Smögen 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Smögen 8 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

VanillaFresh FruitToastedHoneyMalt Extract

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