Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Balblair
★ 5.00
£60
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£47
| Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) | MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | MacNair's |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 53.7% | 46% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £60.45 | £47 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old is better value at £47 vs £60.
For beginners: Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£60.45 vs £47)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£47 vs £60.45)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch) 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 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 Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Where to buy
Balblair 20 Year Old 1990 (Bladnoch)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange