MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky)
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
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky)
Linkwood
£160
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Linkwood |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 50.8% |
| Age | 21 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £125 | £160 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky)
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 £160.
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 £160)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£160 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 Linkwood?
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky) 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)
Only Linkwood 26 Year Old 1989 - Highland Laird (Bartels Whisky)