MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Strathmill 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Strathmill 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryMacNair'sStrathmill
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%50.3%
Age21 yr25 yr
Price£125£91.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Strathmill 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner50/100
Value54/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathmill 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Strathmill 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £92 vs £125.

For beginners: Strathmill 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £91.95)

Strathmill 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£91.95 vs £125)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
  • 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 Strathmill?

Strathmill 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

Only Strathmill 25 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractToastedOld Wood

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