Blended Grain Scotch Whisky 36 Year Old - Forgotten Gems vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Blended Grain Scotch Whisky 36 Year Old - Forgotten GemsMacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryForgotten GemsMacNair's
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainBlended Malt
ABV54.7%48%
Age36 yr21 yr
Price£99.95£125
Rating5.00/5

Blended Grain Scotch Whisky 36 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

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

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

Blended Grain Scotch Whisky 36 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

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).

Blended Grain Scotch Whisky 36 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is better value at £100 vs £125.

For beginners: Blended Grain Scotch Whisky 36 Year Old - Forgotten Gems is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Blended Grain Scotch Whisky 36 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£99.95 vs £125)
  • +Longer maturation (36 vs 21 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.7%) — 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £99.95)

Who should buy Blended?

Blended Grain Scotch Whisky 36 Year Old - Forgotten Gems suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 Blended Grain Scotch Whisky 36 Year Old - Forgotten Gems

HoneyVanillaToastedOld Wood

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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