Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 - Single & Single vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 - Single & SingleMacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryCaol IlaMacNair's
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV54.6%48%
Age10 yr21 yr
Price£117.5£125
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 - Single & Single

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 - Single & Single

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).

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 - Single & Single is better value at £118 vs £125.

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

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 - Single & Single

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£117.5 vs £125)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 10 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £117.5)

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 - Single & Single 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 Caol Ila 10 Year Old 2010 - Single & Single

SandyMedicinalCitric

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

SherriedDried Fruit

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