Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryAultmoreMacNair's
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV57.5%48%
Age20 yr21 yr
Price£103.95£125
Rating2.00/55.00/5

Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value19/100

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

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

Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.00).

Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £104 vs £125.

For beginners: MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£103.95 vs £125)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (2.0 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)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 20 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £103.95)

Who should buy Aultmore?

Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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.

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

Dried Fruit

Only Aultmore 20 Year Old 1997 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

VanillaOld WoodHoneyToasted

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

SmokeySherriedOily

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