SMWS No. 21.21 16 Year Old 1985 vs The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
SMWS No. 21.21 16 Year Old 1985
Glenglassaugh
£120
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
The Lakes Distillery
★ 5.00
£85
| SMWS No. 21.21 16 Year Old 1985 | The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenglassaugh | The Lakes Distillery |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | England |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57% | 52% |
| Age | 16 yr | NAS |
| Price | £119.95 | £84.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
SMWS No. 21.21 16 Year Old 1985
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
SMWS No. 21.21 16 Year Old 1985
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Quick verdict
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is better value at £85 vs £120.
For beginners: The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
SMWS No. 21.21 16 Year Old 1985
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£119.95 vs £84.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£84.95 vs £119.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (52%) — may need water
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS No. 21.21 16 Year Old 1985 is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Who should buy The?
The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5 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
Both taste of
Only SMWS No. 21.21 16 Year Old 1985
Only The Lakes Whiskymaker's Reserve No.5