Barrell Gray Label Bourbon vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Barrell Gray Label Bourbon
Barrell Craft Spirits
£176
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| Barrell Gray Label Bourbon | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Barrell Craft Spirits | MacNair's |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 50.3% | 48% |
| Age | NAS | 21 yr |
| Price | £175.73 | £125 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Barrell Gray Label Bourbon
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Barrell Gray Label Bourbon
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 £176.
For beginners: Barrell Gray Label Bourbon is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Barrell Gray Label Bourbon
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£175.73 vs £125)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 £175.73)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Barrell?
Barrell Gray Label Bourbon 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
Only Barrell Gray Label Bourbon
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)