Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L) 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.

Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)
Ballantine's
£41

New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
New York Distilling Company
★ 5.00
£40
| Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L) | New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ballantine's | New York Distilling Company |
| Region | Other Scotch | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Blended | Rye |
| ABV | 40% | 55.6% |
| Age | NAS | 3 yr |
| Price | £40.95 | £39.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)
New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)
New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £40 vs £41.
For beginners: Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£40.95 vs £39.95)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£39.95 vs £40.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
Who should buy Ballantine's?
Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
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
Both taste of
Only Ballantine's Barrel Smooth (1L)
Only New York Distilling Company Rye 3 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)