Glen Grant 18 Year Old 1995 (Cask 446769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Glen Grant 18 Year Old 1995 (Cask 446769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Glen Grant
£122
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| Glen Grant 18 Year Old 1995 (Cask 446769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Grant | MacNair's |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 53.8% | 48% |
| Age | 18 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £121.75 | £125 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glen Grant 18 Year Old 1995 (Cask 446769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Glen Grant 18 Year Old 1995 (Cask 446769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Glen Grant 18 Year Old 1995 (Cask 446769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £122 vs £125.
For beginners: Glen Grant 18 Year Old 1995 (Cask 446769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Glen Grant 18 Year Old 1995 (Cask 446769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +More affordable (£121.75 vs £125)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.8%) — 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 £121.75)
Who should buy Glen?
Glen Grant 18 Year Old 1995 (Cask 446769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 Glen Grant 18 Year Old 1995 (Cask 446769) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)