MacNair's Lum Reek vs Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 656+657) (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

MacNair's Lum Reek
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£42

Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 656+657) (Signatory)
Linkwood
£40
| MacNair's Lum Reek | Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 656+657) (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Linkwood |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 43% |
| Age | NAS | 18 yr |
| Price | £41.95 | £39.55 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
MacNair's Lum Reek
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 656+657) (Signatory)
MacNair's Lum Reek
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 656+657) (Signatory)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 656+657) (Signatory) is better value at £40 vs £42.
For beginners: Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 656+657) (Signatory) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
MacNair's Lum Reek
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 (£41.95 vs £39.55)
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 656+657) (Signatory)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£39.55 vs £41.95)
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 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 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 656+657) (Signatory) 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
Both taste of
Only MacNair's Lum Reek
Only Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 656+657) (Signatory)