MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)
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 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)
North British
£100
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | North British |
| Region | — | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 48% | 51.7% |
| Age | 21 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £125 | £100 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £100 vs £125.
For beginners: MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is more approachable (45/100 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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£125 vs £100)
North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£100 vs £125)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 21 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.7%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Only North British 30 Year Old 1988 (Thompson Bros.)