MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3608) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
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
Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3608) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Aultmore
£110
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3608) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Aultmore |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 52.8% |
| Age | 21 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £125 | £109.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3608) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3608) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3608) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) is better value at £110 vs £125.
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)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 20 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£125 vs £109.95)
Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3608) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Pros
- +More affordable (£109.95 vs £125)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −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 Aultmore?
Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3608) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) 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 Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3608) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)