MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs North of Scotland 46 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)North of Scotland 46 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryMacNair'sNorth of Scotland
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltGrain
ABV48%41%
Age21 yr46 yr
Price£125£184.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value40/100

North of Scotland 46 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness88/100
Beginner85/100
Value27/100

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North of Scotland 46 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £185.

For beginners: North of Scotland 46 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£125 vs £184.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

North of Scotland 46 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (46 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£184.95 vs £125)
  • 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 of Scotland 46 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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

Oily

Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)

SmokeySherriedDried Fruit

Only North of Scotland 46 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Old WoodVanillaHoney

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