MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs The Temple Bar 14 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)The Temple Bar 14 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish
DistilleryMacNair'sThe Temple Bar
Region
CountryScotlandIreland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%43%
Age21 yr14 yr
Price£125£103.95
Rating5.00/5

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

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

The Temple Bar 14 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Temple Bar 14 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Temple Bar 14 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish is better value at £104 vs £125.

For beginners: The Temple Bar 14 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 14 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£125 vs £103.95)

The Temple Bar 14 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£103.95 vs £125)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 The?

The Temple Bar 14 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish 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

Sherried

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

SmokeyDried FruitOily

Only The Temple Bar 14 Year Old Malbec Cask Finish

Cooked FruitChocolateVanillaCitric

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