MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Ben Nevis 21 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)Ben Nevis 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryMacNair'sBen Nevis
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%48.5%
Age21 yr21 yr
Price£125£157.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Ben Nevis 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ben Nevis 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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 £158.

For beginners: Ben Nevis 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 £157.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Ben Nevis 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£157.95 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 Ben?

Ben Nevis 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SherriedDried Fruit

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

SmokeyOily

Only Ben Nevis 21 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

ChocolateHoneyOld Wood

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