Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) vs MacNair's Lum Reek
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Caol Ila
£62
MacNair's Lum Reek
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£42
| Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) | MacNair's Lum Reek | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | MacNair's |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 51.5% | 46% |
| Age | 5 yr | NAS |
| Price | £61.95 | £41.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
MacNair's Lum Reek
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
MacNair's Lum Reek
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
MacNair's Lum Reek is better value at £42 vs £62.
For beginners: MacNair's Lum Reek is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£61.95 vs £41.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
MacNair's Lum Reek
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£41.95 vs £61.95)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid) 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 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 Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Only MacNair's Lum Reek
Where to buy
Caol Ila 5 Year Old 2018 - Benchmark (Murray McDavid)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
MacNair's Lum Reek
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange