Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release)MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryFettercairnMacNair's
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV46.8%48%
Age18 yr21 yr
Price£154.95£125
Rating5.00/5

Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

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

Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release)

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 £155.

For beginners: Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release)

Pros

  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£154.95 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 £154.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Fettercairn?

Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

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 Fettercairn 18 Year Old (2023 Release)

HoneyVanillaFresh FruitToastedOld Wood

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

Explore more