Johnnie Walker Red Label (1.13L) - 1970s vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

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

Johnnie Walker Red Label (1.13L) - 1970sMacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryJohnnie WalkerMacNair's
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV40%48%
AgeNAS21 yr
Price£120£125
Rating5.00/5

Johnnie Walker Red Label (1.13L) - 1970s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

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

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

Johnnie Walker Red Label (1.13L) - 1970s

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).

Johnnie Walker Red Label (1.13L) - 1970s is better value at £120 vs £125.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Red Label (1.13L) - 1970s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Johnnie Walker Red Label (1.13L) - 1970s

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£120 vs £125)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £120)

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Red Label (1.13L) - 1970s 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 Johnnie Walker Red Label (1.13L) - 1970s

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractTobacco

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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