MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
DistilleryMacNair'sBenriach
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%50.1%
Age21 yr29 yr
Price£125£139.7
Rating5.00/5

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

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

BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £140.

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)
  • +More affordable (£125 vs £139.7)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (29 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£139.7 vs £125)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 BenRiach?

BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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 BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Old WoodHoneyToastedMalt ExtractNutty

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