MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Fettercairn 23 Year Old 1997 (casks 5615) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
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
Fettercairn 23 Year Old 1997 (casks 5615) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Fettercairn
£117
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Fettercairn 23 Year Old 1997 (casks 5615) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Fettercairn |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 57% |
| Age | 21 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £125 | £116.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Fettercairn 23 Year Old 1997 (casks 5615) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Fettercairn 23 Year Old 1997 (casks 5615) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Fettercairn 23 Year Old 1997 (casks 5615) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £117 vs £125.
For beginners: Fettercairn 23 Year Old 1997 (casks 5615) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (50/100 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 £116.95)
Fettercairn 23 Year Old 1997 (casks 5615) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£116.95 vs £125)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57%) — 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 Fettercairn?
Fettercairn 23 Year Old 1997 (casks 5615) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Only Fettercairn 23 Year Old 1997 (casks 5615) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)