BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Benriach
£140
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benriach | MacNair's |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 50.1% | 48% |
| Age | 29 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £139.7 | £125 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
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 £140.
For beginners: BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (29 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£139.7 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 £139.7)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy BenRiach?
BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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 BenRiach 29 Year Old 1986 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)