Jameson 4.5L vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Jameson 4.5LMacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryJamesonMacNair's
Region
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV40%48%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£169.5£125
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Jameson 4.5L

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner70/100
Value29/100

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

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

Jameson 4.5L

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £170.

For beginners: Jameson 4.5L is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Jameson 4.5L

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£169.5 vs £125)
  • 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
  • +More affordable (£125 vs £169.5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Jameson?

Jameson 4.5L suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

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 Jameson 4.5L

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyToastedFresh Fruit

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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