MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
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 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
North British
£96
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | North British |
| Region | — | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 48% | 55% |
| Age | 21 yr | 31 yr |
| Price | £125 | £96.08 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is better value at £96 vs £125.
For beginners: North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) is more approachable (65/100 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 £96.08)
North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£96.08 vs £125)
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (55%) — may need water
- −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 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Only North British 31 Year Old 1985 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)