Aberlour 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 900053) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Aberlour 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 900053) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Aberlour
£152
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| Aberlour 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 900053) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aberlour | MacNair's |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 48% |
| Age | 21 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £151.61 | £125 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Aberlour 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 900053) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Aberlour 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 900053) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
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 £152.
For beginners: Aberlour 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 900053) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Aberlour 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 900053) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£151.61 vs £125)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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 £151.61)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Aberlour?
Aberlour 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 900053) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's) 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.
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.
Tasting notes
Only Aberlour 21 Year Old 1996 (cask 900053) - Rare Select (Montgomerie's)
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)