Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1997 - Chorlton Whisky vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1997 - Chorlton WhiskyMacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryBenrinnesMacNair's
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.6%48%
Age23 yr21 yr
Price£128.95£125
Rating5.00/5

Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1997 - Chorlton Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1997 - Chorlton Whisky

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 0.00).

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £129.

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

Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1997 - Chorlton Whisky

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£128.95 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 £128.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Benrinnes?

Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1997 - Chorlton Whisky 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 Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1997 - Chorlton Whisky

Malt ExtractHoneyNuttyToastedOld Wood

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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