MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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
Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Blair Athol
★ 3.00
£164
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Blair Athol |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 49.3% |
| Age | 21 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £125 | £164.15 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.00/5 |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £164.
For beginners: Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 affordable (£125 vs £164.15)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£164.15 vs £125)
- −Lower community rating (3.0 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 Blair?
Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Only Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)