Bowmore 18 Year Old vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bowmore 18 Year Old
Bowmore
★ 4.37
£129
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| Bowmore 18 Year Old | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | MacNair's |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 48% |
| Age | 18 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £129 | £125 |
| Rating | 4.37/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 18 Year Old
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Bowmore 18 Year Old
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 4.37).
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £129.
For beginners: Bowmore 18 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 18 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£129 vs £125)
- −Lower community rating (4.4 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 £129)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 18 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 18 Year Old
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)