Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1) vs Michel Forgeron Barrique 89 Grande Champagne Cognac
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)
Kininvie
★ 5.00
£120

Michel Forgeron Barrique 89 Grande Champagne Cognac
Michel Forgeron
£140
| Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1) | Michel Forgeron Barrique 89 Grande Champagne Cognac | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Kininvie | Michel Forgeron |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 42.6% | 40% |
| Age | 17 yr | NAS |
| Price | £120 | £140 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)
Michel Forgeron Barrique 89 Grande Champagne Cognac
Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)
Michel Forgeron Barrique 89 Grande Champagne Cognac
Quick verdict
Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1) is better value at £120 vs £140.
For beginners: Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Michel Forgeron Barrique 89 Grande Champagne Cognac
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£140 vs £120)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Who should buy Kininvie?
Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1) 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 Michel?
Michel Forgeron Barrique 89 Grande Champagne Cognac suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Only Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)
Only Michel Forgeron Barrique 89 Grande Champagne Cognac