Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryArranMacNair's
RegionIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV47.8%48%
Age27 yr21 yr
Price£199.95£125
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

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

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

Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £200.

For beginners: Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (27 vs 21 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£199.95 vs £125)
  • 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
  • +More affordable (£125 vs £199.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Arran?

Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 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

Both taste of

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Arran 27 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Old WoodHoneyTobacco

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

SmokeyOily

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