Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth vs MacNair's Lum Reek
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth | MacNair's Lum Reek | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Dewar's | MacNair's |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 8 yr | NAS |
| Price | £31.08 | £41.95 |
| Rating | 4.50/5 | 5.00/5 |
Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth
MacNair's Lum Reek
Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth
MacNair's Lum Reek
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.50).
Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth is better value at £31 vs £42.
For beginners: Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£31.08 vs £41.95)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)
MacNair's Lum Reek
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£41.95 vs £31.08)
Who should buy Dewar's?
Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth 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 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
Only Dewar's 8 Year Old Ilegal Smooth
Only MacNair's Lum Reek