Ben Nevis 5 Year Old 2019 - 100 Proof Edition #17 (Signatory) vs New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

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

Ben Nevis 5 Year Old 2019 - 100 Proof Edition #17 (Signatory)New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
DistilleryBen NevisNew York Distilling Company
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltRye
ABV57.1%55.6%
Age5 yr3 yr
Price£46.95£39.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Ben Nevis 5 Year Old 2019 - 100 Proof Edition #17 (Signatory)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner30/100
Value100/100

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner65/100
Value100/100

Ben Nevis 5 Year Old 2019 - 100 Proof Edition #17 (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £40 vs £47.

For beginners: New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Ben Nevis 5 Year Old 2019 - 100 Proof Edition #17 (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (5 vs 3 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£46.95 vs £39.95)

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£39.95 vs £46.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ben?

Ben Nevis 5 Year Old 2019 - 100 Proof Edition #17 (Signatory) 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 New?

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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

Only Ben Nevis 5 Year Old 2019 - 100 Proof Edition #17 (Signatory)

SmokeySherriedCooked FruitOily

Only New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)

ToastedVanillaTobaccoNew WoodHoney

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