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)Michel Forgeron Barrique 89 Grande Champagne Cognac
DistilleryKininvieMichel Forgeron
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV42.6%40%
Age17 yrNAS
Price£120£140
Rating5.00/5

Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner85/100
Value42/100

Michel Forgeron Barrique 89 Grande Champagne Cognac

Smoke0/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Kininvie 17 Year Old 1996 (Batch 1)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Michel Forgeron Barrique 89 Grande Champagne Cognac

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

HoneyFresh FruitVanillaMalt ExtractCitric

Only Michel Forgeron Barrique 89 Grande Champagne Cognac

Old WoodTobaccoToastedDried Fruit

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