Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryBowmoreMacNair's
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV53%48%
Age14 yr21 yr
Price£180.95£125
Rating5.00/5

Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness35/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

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

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

Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)

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 £181.

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

Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£180.95 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 £180.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) 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

Both taste of

SmokeyOily

Only Bowmore 14 Year Old 2011 - Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)

CitricFresh FruitToasted

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

SherriedDried Fruit

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