MacNair's Lum Reek Peated 21 Year

Recognized as the best Blended Malt of 2020, Lum Reek is a creation from the acclaimed Master Distiller and Blender, Billy Walker, the same talent behind Glendronach and GlenAllachie today. Lum Reek recounts the tale of MacNair, who was crafting a fine whisky when the chimney of his dwelling became uncontrollable, smoking up the entire house. Eventually, that smoke infused his own whisky, and upon tasting it, he declared it perfect. It's bottled at 48% ABV and is a Peated Speyside Blended Malt with an attractive golden hue. The nose is quite delightful: cotton candy, chocolate, almonds, and pecan pie, along with cotton socks and fondant. After an initial taste, the aroma shifted to red apples, meringue cookies, and dulce de leche, with hints of apricot. The palate presents rich flavors of caramelized apples, pleasant spiciness, pepper, and salt. After several sips, it becomes very salty, with notes of hay and grass. The aftertaste offered a minuscule puff of aromatic smoke, but only on the first sip, followed by hay, salt, and cinnamon. It is actually quite grassy and intensely salty. Overall, I recognize this as the kind of whisky that readily wins awards. It's highly enjoyable, rich, well-rounded, and clean. The issue lies with its name, "Lum Reek," which implies a smoky chimney, yet it contains very little smoke! Despite this, it is truly delicious. My score is 89/100.

This sample, free from bottle aesthetics, reveals: Nose: A waxy scent, perhaps from a certain Islay distillery. Notes of warm caramel, vanilla, and toasted almonds mingle with gentle peat and a hint of sherry. Not fruity, but with a distinct brininess. There's evidence of aged spirit, which I find very appealing. Palate: A sweet and spicy profile emerges, with chili and bittersweet oak flavors. Leather notes are present. While quite enjoyable, the nose was superior. Finish: Extended and warming, with an oaky character. Ideal for savoring on a chilly, misty November evening. I'm considering purchasing a full bottle of this blended malt.

Nose: Fragrant, woody, no smoke. First taste: Smoke! Significantly more peat than the aroma suggests. Hints of light wine/sherry, fiery, woody. The enjoyment fades after a few sips. Smooth woody finish.

Good flavor, but poor value.