MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryMacNair'sNew York Distilling Company
Region
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeBlended MaltRye
ABV46%55.6%
Age12 yr3 yr
Price£45.36£39.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner55/100
Value100/100

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £40 vs £45.

For beginners: New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 3 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£45.36 vs £39.95)

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£39.95 vs £45.36)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy MacNair's?

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 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.

Who should buy New?

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Toasted

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old (Old Bottling)

SmokeyDried FruitMalt Extract

Only New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

VanillaTobaccoNew WoodHoney

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