Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2025 vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2025MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryFour RosesMacNair's
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonBlended Malt
ABV54.5%48%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£169£125
Rating5.00/5

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2025

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2025

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 £169.

For beginners: Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2025 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2025

Pros

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

Cons

  • High ABV (54.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£169 vs £125)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £169)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Four?

Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2025 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 Four Roses Small Batch - Barrel Strength 2025

VanillaCooked FruitFresh FruitToastedOld Wood

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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