Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s vs Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2009)

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

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970sBenrinnes 23 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2009)
DistilleryBarton BrandsBenrinnes
RegionSpeyside
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV43%58.8%
AgeNAS23 yr
Price£180£164.66
Rating5.00/54.25/5

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value28/100

Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2009)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value26/100

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2009)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.25).

Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2009) is better value at £165 vs £180.

For beginners: Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£180 vs £164.66)

Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2009)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£164.66 vs £180)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.8%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Barton's?

Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Who should buy Benrinnes?

Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2009) 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.

Tasting notes

Only Barton's QT Premium American Whiskey - 1970s

ToastedVanillaTobaccoHoneyOily

Only Benrinnes 23 Year Old 1985 (Special Release 2009)

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodChocolateLeathery

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