Glen Garioch 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 3740) (Adelphi) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Glen Garioch 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 3740) (Adelphi)MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryGlen GariochMacNair's
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV58.2%48%
Age18 yr21 yr
Price£102.86£125
Rating5.00/5

Glen Garioch 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 3740) (Adelphi)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

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

Glen Garioch 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 3740) (Adelphi)

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).

Glen Garioch 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 3740) (Adelphi) is better value at £103 vs £125.

For beginners: Glen Garioch 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 3740) (Adelphi) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Glen Garioch 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 3740) (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£102.86 vs £125)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58.2%) — 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)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 18 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £102.86)

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Garioch 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 3740) (Adelphi) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 Glen Garioch 18 Year Old 1998 (cask 3740) (Adelphi)

HoneyFresh FruitVanillaMalt ExtractOld Wood

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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