MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 534) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 534) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryMacNair'sPaul John
Region
CountryScotlandIndia
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%57.2%
Age21 yr6 yr
Price£125£147.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 534) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner50/100
Value34/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 534) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £148.

For beginners: Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 534) - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (50/100 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 £147.95)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 6 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 534) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness

Cons

  • High ABV (57.2%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£147.95 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 Paul?

Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 534) - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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)

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

Only Paul John 6 Year Old 2009 (cask 534) - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Malt ExtractVanillaFresh FruitHoney

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