MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Jameson 12 Year Old Distillery Reserve

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Jameson 12 Year Old Distillery Reserve
DistilleryMacNair'sJameson
Region
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Pot Still
ABV48%40%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£125£150
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Jameson 12 Year Old Distillery Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Jameson 12 Year Old Distillery Reserve

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: Jameson 12 Year Old Distillery Reserve is more approachable (70/100 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

Jameson 12 Year Old Distillery Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£150 vs £125)
  • 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 Jameson?

Jameson 12 Year Old Distillery Reserve suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Pot Still character.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

Only Jameson 12 Year Old Distillery Reserve

ToastedVanillaHoneyNuttyCooked Mash

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