MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) vs Yamazaki 12 Year Old

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

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling)Yamazaki 12 Year Old
DistilleryMacNair'sYamazaki
Region
CountryScotlandJapan
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%43%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£125£139.95
Rating5.00/54.37/5

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

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

Yamazaki 12 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner70/100
Value31/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Yamazaki 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.37).

MacNair's Lum Reek 21 Year Old (Old Bottling) is better value at £125 vs £140.

For beginners: Yamazaki 12 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 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 £139.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Yamazaki 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£139.95 vs £125)
  • Lower community rating (4.4 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 Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeySherriedDried FruitOily

Only Yamazaki 12 Year Old

Fresh FruitHoneyMalt ExtractToastedVanilla

Explore more