Cragganmore 20 Year Old (Special Release 2020) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Cragganmore 20 Year Old (Special Release 2020)MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryCragganmoreMacNair's
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV55.8%48%
Age20 yr21 yr
Price£130£125
Rating5.00/5

Cragganmore 20 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

Cragganmore 20 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

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 £130.

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

Cragganmore 20 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.8%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£130 vs £125)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 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 £130)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Cragganmore?

Cragganmore 20 Year Old (Special Release 2020) 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

Only Cragganmore 20 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

VanillaFresh FruitToastedNuttyHoney

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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