MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Writers Tears Cask Strength (2023 Release)
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

Writers Tears Cask Strength (2023 Release)
Walsh
£120
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Writers Tears Cask Strength (2023 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Walsh |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 48% | 54.8% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £125 | £120 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Writers Tears Cask Strength (2023 Release)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Writers Tears Cask Strength (2023 Release)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Writers Tears Cask Strength (2023 Release) is better value at £120 vs £125.
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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£125 vs £120)
Writers Tears Cask Strength (2023 Release)
Pros
- +More affordable (£120 vs £125)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.8%) — 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 Writers?
Writers Tears Cask Strength (2023 Release) 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 Writers Tears Cask Strength (2023 Release)