MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
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

Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
Auchroisk
£117
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Auchroisk |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 54.6% |
| Age | 21 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £125 | £117.29 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) is better value at £117 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£125 vs £117.29)
Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£117.29 vs £125)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.6%) — 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 Auchroisk?
Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) 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 Auchroisk 23 Year Old 1997 (cask 17814) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)