MacNair’s Lum Reek 10 YO Cask Strength Batch 1

MacNair’s Lum Reek 10 YO Cask Strength Batch 1, 55.4 %

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Today I an putting the blended malt MacNair’s Lum Reek 10 YO Cask Strength Batch 1 to the test. The MacNair’s brand was acquired by Billy Walker and friends when he bought GlenAllachie back in 2017. This blended malt is made up of single malts from Highland, Speyside and Islay - and of course GlenAllachie. It has been matured in Spanish oak sherry casks, French oak wine barriques, and some virgin oak casks.

Here’s the story behind the name of this blended malt whisky, as “Lum Reek” is a shortening of the saying “Lang may your lum reek”:

“The old Scottish saying literally meaning ‘long may your chimney smoke’, is a traditional way to wish someone a long, healthy and prosperous life.”

The MacNair’s Lum Reek 10 YO Cask Strength is currently not available in Norway, but word has it it will be available again shortly. Whether that will be batch 1 or the current batch 2, we will have to wait and see.

Nose: Dive into chocolate mousse with a twist! Warm, earthy peat smoke merges with a backdrop of oaky spiciness. As it settles, hints of brine and the earthiness of peanut shells and bbq rub emerge.

Taste: A full-bodied and “dirty” delight. It's a mix of soot, ashes, and the bitterness of cacao nibs and ground coffee. Dark chocolate with a jammy heart meets an array of dried fruits.

Finish: A medium-long finish that's a sooty, ashy, chocolaty journey. The earthiness prevails, now joined by sweet raisins, prunes, and dates, ending with a subtle oak hint.

Comment: A perfect winter warmer!

Score 88/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas