Bushmills Black Bush vs Cragganmore 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory)

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

Bushmills Black BushCragganmore 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory)
DistilleryBushmillsCragganmore
RegionSpeyside
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%43%
AgeNAS13 yr
Price£26.95£30.95
Rating4.45/5

Bushmills Black Bush

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

Cragganmore 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness51/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

Bushmills Black Bush

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Cragganmore 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bushmills Black Bush is rated higher (4.45 vs 0.00).

Bushmills Black Bush is better value at £27 vs £31.

For beginners: Bushmills Black Bush is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Bushmills Black Bush

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (4.4/5)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Cragganmore 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£30.95 vs £26.95)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.4)

Who should buy Bushmills?

Bushmills Black Bush 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 Cragganmore?

Cragganmore 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Bushmills Black Bush

SherriedCooked FruitChocolateVanilla

Only Cragganmore 13 Year Old 1998 (Signatory)

Malt ExtractSmokeyToastedHoneyFresh Fruit

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