MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Imperial 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 2472) - The Single Malts of Scotland

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Imperial 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 2472) - The Single Malts of Scotland
DistilleryMacNair'sImperial
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%50.5%
Age21 yr21 yr
Price£125£130
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Imperial 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 2472) - The Single Malts of Scotland

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Imperial 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 2472) - The Single Malts of Scotland

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 £130.

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)
  • +More affordable (£125 vs £130)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Imperial 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 2472) - The Single Malts of Scotland

Pros

  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£130 vs £125)
  • 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 Imperial?

Imperial 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 2472) - The Single Malts of Scotland 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 Imperial 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 2472) - The Single Malts of Scotland

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyToastedOld Wood

Explore more