MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Strathmill 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 1530) - Mackillop's Choice
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
Strathmill 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 1530) - Mackillop's Choice
Strathmill
£128
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Strathmill 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 1530) - Mackillop's Choice | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Strathmill |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 52% |
| Age | 21 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £125 | £127.7 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Strathmill 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 1530) - Mackillop's Choice
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Strathmill 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 1530) - Mackillop's Choice
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 £128.
For beginners: Strathmill 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 1530) - Mackillop's Choice 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 £127.7)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Strathmill 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 1530) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£127.7 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 Strathmill?
Strathmill 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 1530) - Mackillop's Choice 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 Strathmill 18 Year Old 1997 (cask 1530) - Mackillop's Choice