Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1997 (casks 5611 & 5612) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1997 (casks 5611 & 5612) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryFettercairnMacNair's
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV58%48%
Age21 yr21 yr
Price£116.5£125
Rating5.00/5

Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1997 (casks 5611 & 5612) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness46/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1997 (casks 5611 & 5612) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

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).

Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1997 (casks 5611 & 5612) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £117 vs £125.

For beginners: MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1997 (casks 5611 & 5612) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£116.5 vs £125)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58%) — may need water
  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £116.5)

Who should buy Fettercairn?

Fettercairn 21 Year Old 1997 (casks 5611 & 5612) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 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 21 Year Old 1997 (casks 5611 & 5612) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Old WoodToastedHoneyFresh FruitNutty

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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