Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryCraigellachieMacNair's
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV60.1%48%
Age16 yr21 yr
Price£126.95£125
Rating5.00/5

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

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

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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 £127.

For beginners: Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (60.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£126.95 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 £126.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 Craigellachie 16 Year Old 2009 (cask 304606) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

HoneyVanillaCitricMalt ExtractFresh Fruit

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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