Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old
Jim Beam
£120
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Jim Beam | MacNair's |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 48% |
| Age | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £120 | £125 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old
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).
Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old is better value at £120 vs £125.
For beginners: Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£120 vs £125)
Cons
- −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 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£125 vs £120)
Who should buy Jim?
Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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 Jim Beam Signature Craft 12 Year Old
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)