Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Blair Athol
★ 3.00
£164
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | 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 | 49.3% | 48% |
| Age | 25 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £164.15 | £125 |
| Rating | 3.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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 3.00).
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £164.
For beginners: Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£164.15 vs £125)
- −Lower community rating (3.0 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)
- +More affordable (£125 vs £164.15)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Blair?
Blair Athol 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
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 25 Year Old 1989 (cask 10440) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)