MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
MacNair's
★ 5.00
£125

North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)
North British
£170
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | North British |
| Region | — | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 48% | 44.4% |
| Age | 21 yr | NAS |
| Price | £125 | £170.39 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)
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 £170.
For beginners: North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
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 £170.39)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −More expensive (£170.39 vs £125)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy North?
North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.
Tasting notes
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Only North British 1988 (bottled 2019) (cask 216435) - The Alba Series (Whisky Illuminati)