MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Blair Athol 16 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601602) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
Blair Athol 16 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601602) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Blair Athol
£134
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Blair Athol 16 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601602) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Blair Athol |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 57.8% |
| Age | 21 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £125 | £133.52 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Blair Athol 16 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601602) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Blair Athol 16 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601602) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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 £134.
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 £133.52)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Blair Athol 16 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601602) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£133.52 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 Blair?
Blair Athol 16 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601602) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Only Blair Athol 16 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601602) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)