MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Tobermory 17 Year Old 2003 Madeira Cask Finish

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Tobermory 17 Year Old 2003 Madeira Cask Finish
DistilleryMacNair'sTobermory
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%54.2%
Age21 yr17 yr
Price£125£129.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Tobermory 17 Year Old 2003 Madeira Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value38/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tobermory 17 Year Old 2003 Madeira Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £130.

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 £129.9)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 17 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Tobermory 17 Year Old 2003 Madeira Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£129.9 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 Tobermory?

Tobermory 17 Year Old 2003 Madeira Cask Finish 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 Tobermory 17 Year Old 2003 Madeira Cask Finish

NuttyCooked FruitVanillaToasted

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