Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Linkwood
£132
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125
| Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) | MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Linkwood | MacNair's |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 56.8% | 48% |
| Age | 26 yr | 21 yr |
| Price | £131.74 | £125 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
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 £132.
For beginners: MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£131.74 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 £131.74)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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 Linkwood 26 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)