New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryNew York Distilling CompanyMacNair's
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeRyeBlended Malt
ABV55.6%46%
Age3 yr12 yr
Price£39.95£45.36
Rating5.00/55.00/5

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner55/100
Value100/100

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £40 vs £45.

For beginners: New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£39.95 vs £45.36)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 3 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£45.36 vs £39.95)

Who should buy New?

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy MacNair's?

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Toasted

Only New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

VanillaTobaccoNew WoodHoney

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

SmokeyDried FruitMalt Extract

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