Bladnoch 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 40) - Bourbon Cask vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Bladnoch 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 40) - Bourbon CaskMacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryBladnochMacNair's
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.9%48%
Age12 yr21 yr
Price£150£125
Rating5.00/5

Bladnoch 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 40) - Bourbon Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

Bladnoch 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 40) - Bourbon Cask

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 £150.

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

Bladnoch 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 40) - Bourbon Cask

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (56.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 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 £150)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Bladnoch?

Bladnoch 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 40) - Bourbon Cask 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 Bladnoch 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 40) - Bourbon Cask

Malt ExtractVanillaFresh FruitToasted

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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