Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 1043) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) vs MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 1043) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Linkwood
£145
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 1043) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Linkwood | MacNair's |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 48% |
| Age | 26 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £145 | £125 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 1043) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 1043) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
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 £145.
For beginners: Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 1043) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 1043) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£145 vs £125)
- −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 affordable (£125 vs £145)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 1043) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd) 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 Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 (cask 1043) - (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)