Linkwood 28 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 28 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
DistilleryLinkwoodMacNair's
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV58.4%48%
Age28 yr21 yr
Price£124.49£125
Rating5.00/5

Linkwood 28 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness49/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

Linkwood 28 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

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).

Linkwood 28 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is better value at £124 vs £125.

For beginners: MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Linkwood 28 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£124.49 vs £125)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (58.4%) — may need water
  • 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 £124.49)

Who should buy Linkwood?

Linkwood 28 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 28 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)

Old WoodMalt ExtractHoneyToastedNutty

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

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