Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured vs MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Deanston
★ 5.00
£50
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£45
| Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured | MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Deanston | MacNair's |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 58.7% | 46% |
| Age | 9 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £49.96 | £45.36 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £45 vs £50.
For beginners: MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (55/100 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 £45.36)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£45.36 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 (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 Deanston 9 Year Old 2008 - Bordeaux Red Wine Cask Matured
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)