MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005
DistilleryMacNair'sHighland Park
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%58%
Age21 yr13 yr
Price£125£150
Rating5.00/5

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

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

SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005

Smoke66/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005

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 £150.

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 £150)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (58%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 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 SMWS?

SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005 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

Both taste of

SmokeySherried

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

Dried FruitOily

Only SMWS 4.242 13 Year Old 2005

MedicinalCoal-gasToasted

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