MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old
DistilleryMacNair'sJim Beam
Region
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeBlended MaltBourbon
ABV48%43%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£125£120
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old is better value at £120 vs £125.

For beginners: Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 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 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £120)

Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£120 vs £125)

Cons

  • 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 Jim?

Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

Only Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old

VanillaChocolateToastedNew WoodHoney

Explore more