Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Blair Athol
£115
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Blair Athol | MacNair's |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 57.8% | 48% |
| Age | 14 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £115.15 | £125 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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).
Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £115 vs £125.
For beginners: MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +More affordable (£115.15 vs £125)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.8%) — may need water
- −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)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 14 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£125 vs £115.15)
Who should buy Blair?
Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Blair Athol 14 Year Old 2008 (cask 18601603) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)