Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky
Ballantine's
£135
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ballantine's | MacNair's |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 48% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £135 | £125 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky
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 £135.
For beginners: Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£135 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 £135)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Ballantine's?
Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
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 Ballantine's 12 Year Old / Bot.1980s Blended Scotch Whisky
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)