Hector Macbeth 24 Year Old 1997 (cask 18662) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Hector Macbeth 24 Year Old 1997 (cask 18662) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
Hunter Laing
£133
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| Hector Macbeth 24 Year Old 1997 (cask 18662) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hunter Laing | MacNair's |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 51% | 48% |
| Age | 24 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £132.58 | £125 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Hector Macbeth 24 Year Old 1997 (cask 18662) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Hector Macbeth 24 Year Old 1997 (cask 18662) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
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).
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £133.
For beginners: Hector Macbeth 24 Year Old 1997 (cask 18662) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Hector Macbeth 24 Year Old 1997 (cask 18662) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£132.58 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 £132.58)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Hector?
Hector Macbeth 24 Year Old 1997 (cask 18662) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing) 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 Hector Macbeth 24 Year Old 1997 (cask 18662) - The First Editions (Hunter Laing)
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)