MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Togouchi 18 Year Old (43%)
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
Togouchi 18 Year Old (43%)
Chugoku Jozo
★ 4.33
£115
| MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) | Togouchi 18 Year Old (43%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | MacNair's | Chugoku Jozo |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Japan |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 48% | 43% |
| Age | 21 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £125 | £114.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.33/5 |
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Togouchi 18 Year Old (43%)
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Togouchi 18 Year Old (43%)
Quick verdict
MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.33).
Togouchi 18 Year Old (43%) is better value at £115 vs £125.
For beginners: Togouchi 18 Year Old (43%) 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 18 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£125 vs £114.95)
Togouchi 18 Year Old (43%)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£114.95 vs £125)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.3 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 Togouchi?
Togouchi 18 Year Old (43%) 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
Only MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)
Only Togouchi 18 Year Old (43%)