MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 307960B) - The Single Cask

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 307960B) - The Single Cask
DistilleryMacNair'sCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%54.7%
Age21 yr11 yr
Price£125£89.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 307960B) - The Single Cask

Smoke67/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 307960B) - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 307960B) - The Single Cask is better value at £90 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)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £89.95)

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 307960B) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£89.95 vs £125)

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
  • 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 Caol?

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 307960B) - The Single Cask 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

SmokeySherriedOily

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

Dried Fruit

Only Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 307960B) - The Single Cask

MedicinalKippery

Where to buy

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

Caol Ila 11 Year Old 2011 (cask 307960B) - The Single Cask

Explore more