MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Strathisla 26 Year Old 1987 - 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
Strathisla 26 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Strathisla
£127
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Strathisla 26 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Strathisla |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 54.5% |
| Age | 21 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £125 | £127.39 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Strathisla 26 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Strathisla 26 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
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 £127.
For beginners: Strathisla 26 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead) 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 £127.39)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Strathisla 26 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 21 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£127.39 vs £125)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Strathisla?
Strathisla 26 Year Old 1987 - 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 Strathisla 26 Year Old 1987 - Small Batch (WM Cadenhead)