Fercullen 18 Year Old vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Fercullen 18 Year OldMacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryFercullenMacNair's
Region
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV43%48%
Age18 yr21 yr
Price£125.99£125
Rating5.00/5

Fercullen 18 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

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

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

Fercullen 18 Year Old

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 £126.

For beginners: Fercullen 18 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Fercullen 18 Year Old

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£125.99 vs £125)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 £125.99)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Fercullen?

Fercullen 18 Year Old 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 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 Fercullen 18 Year Old

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractOld Wood

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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