Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured vs MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

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

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask MaturedMacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old
DistilleryDeanstonMacNair's
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV58.7%46%
Age9 yr12 yr
Price£49.96£47
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner40/100
Value100/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness38/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old is better value at £47 vs £50.

For beginners: MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Pros

  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£49.96 vs £47)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£47 vs £49.96)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Deanston?

Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured 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 12 Year Old 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

Fresh Fruit

Only Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured

Cooked FruitVanillaSherried

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokeyNuttyMalt ExtractToasted

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