MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old vs Mortlach 14 Year Old 1998 (cask 10998) - The Maltman

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year OldMortlach 14 Year Old 1998 (cask 10998) - The Maltman
DistilleryMacNair'sMortlach
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%46%
Age12 yr14 yr
Price£47£60.63
Rating5.00/5

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness38/100
Beginner50/100
Value100/100

Mortlach 14 Year Old 1998 (cask 10998) - The Maltman

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner80/100
Value0/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Mortlach 14 Year Old 1998 (cask 10998) - The Maltman

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old is better value at £47 vs £61.

For beginners: Mortlach 14 Year Old 1998 (cask 10998) - The Maltman is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£47 vs £60.63)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Mortlach 14 Year Old 1998 (cask 10998) - The Maltman

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (14 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£60.63 vs £47)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy MacNair's?

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old 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 Mortlach?

Mortlach 14 Year Old 1998 (cask 10998) - The Maltman 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Nutty

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

SmokeyFresh FruitMalt ExtractToasted

Only Mortlach 14 Year Old 1998 (cask 10998) - The Maltman

SherriedVanillaChocolateHoney

Where to buy

MacNair's Lum Reek 12 Year Old

Mortlach 14 Year Old 1998 (cask 10998) - The Maltman

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