Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2007 (cask 307363) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2007 (cask 307363) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryCaol IlaMacNair's
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.8%48%
Age14 yr21 yr
Price£99.4£125
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2007 (cask 307363) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

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

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2007 (cask 307363) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

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 14 Year Old 2007 (cask 307363) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) is better value at £99 vs £125.

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

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2007 (cask 307363) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£99.4 vs £125)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.8%) — 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 14 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £99.4)

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2007 (cask 307363) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) 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 14 Year Old 2007 (cask 307363) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

MedicinalKippery

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

SherriedDried Fruit

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