MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Glentauchers 23 Year Old 1996 (cask GT9620) - Hidden Spirits

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Glentauchers 23 Year Old 1996 (cask GT9620) - Hidden Spirits
DistilleryMacNair'sGlentauchers
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%50.8%
Age21 yr23 yr
Price£125£150
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glentauchers 23 Year Old 1996 (cask GT9620) - Hidden Spirits

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glentauchers 23 Year Old 1996 (cask GT9620) - Hidden Spirits

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £150.

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 £150)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Glentauchers 23 Year Old 1996 (cask GT9620) - Hidden Spirits

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 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 Glentauchers?

Glentauchers 23 Year Old 1996 (cask GT9620) - Hidden Spirits 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)

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

Only Glentauchers 23 Year Old 1996 (cask GT9620) - Hidden Spirits

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractOld WoodToasted

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