Heaven Hill 16 Year Old 2009 Bourbon Barrel Matured (cask 152731) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Heaven Hill 16 Year Old 2009 Bourbon Barrel Matured (cask 152731) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryHeaven HillMacNair's
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeCornBlended Malt
ABV59.9%48%
Age16 yr21 yr
Price£95.5£125
Rating5.00/5

Heaven Hill 16 Year Old 2009 Bourbon Barrel Matured (cask 152731) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

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

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

Heaven Hill 16 Year Old 2009 Bourbon Barrel Matured (cask 152731) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)

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).

Heaven Hill 16 Year Old 2009 Bourbon Barrel Matured (cask 152731) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) is better value at £96 vs £125.

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

Heaven Hill 16 Year Old 2009 Bourbon Barrel Matured (cask 152731) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£95.5 vs £125)

Cons

  • High ABV (59.9%) — 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 16 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £95.5)

Who should buy Heaven?

Heaven Hill 16 Year Old 2009 Bourbon Barrel Matured (cask 152731) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company) 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 Heaven Hill 16 Year Old 2009 Bourbon Barrel Matured (cask 152731) - Fragrant Drops (Keeble Cask Company)

VanillaHoneyCooked MashToastedNutty

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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