Bowmore Tempest 10 Year Old - Batch 1 vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Bowmore Tempest 10 Year Old - Batch 1MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryBowmoreMacNair's
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV55.3%48%
Age10 yr21 yr
Price£150£125
Rating4.17/55.00/5

Bowmore Tempest 10 Year Old - Batch 1

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner25/100
Value28/100

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

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

Bowmore Tempest 10 Year Old - Batch 1

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 4.17).

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £150.

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

Bowmore Tempest 10 Year Old - Batch 1

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.3%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£150 vs £125)
  • Lower community rating (4.2 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 £150)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Bowmore?

Bowmore Tempest 10 Year Old - Batch 1 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 Tempest 10 Year Old - Batch 1

MedicinalFresh FruitNew Wood

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

SherriedDried Fruit

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