Compass Box Magic Cask vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Compass Box Magic CaskMacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryCompass BoxMacNair's
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV46%48%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£150.41£125
Rating5.00/5

Compass Box Magic Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

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

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

Compass Box Magic Cask

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).

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

For beginners: Compass Box Magic Cask is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Compass Box Magic Cask

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£150.41 vs £125)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 £150.41)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Compass?

Compass Box Magic Cask is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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

Sherried

Only Compass Box Magic Cask

VanillaHoneyToastedOld Wood

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

SmokeyDried FruitOily

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