BenRiach The Forty vs Silverbelly Whiskey: Is the Higher Rating Justified? arrives with the quiet confidence of a spirit that knows its own worth.
Choosing between BenRiach The Forty and Silverbelly Whiskey can be tough, especially when they compete in the same space. In this head-to-head comparison, we taste them side by side and score every dimension so you don't have to guess.
Whether you're stocking your home bar or picking a gift, this breakdown will point you to the right bottle.
Specifications at a Glance
| BenRiach The Forty | Silverbelly Whiskey | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | American | American |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 43.5% abv, SRP $4,500 | 91 proof |
| Price | $4500.00 | $40.00 |
| Rating | 10/10 | 3/10 |
Nose
BenRiach The Forty: From the moment this touches the glass it smells exactly how you imagine it would. Warm and inviting oak with a soft hint of sea salt. It evolves into smelling of old books. As it warms in the glass you are entreated to chocolate covered cherries, burnt oranges, and walnut wood. The smell cascades across the nose.
Silverbelly Whiskey: As with the color: barely there. I poured more in the glass to see if that would procure a scent. It did not. I sniffed deeper. I have not ever been close to paper pulp, but I have lived near a paper mill. This smells ever so slightly like a benign whiff of that aroma on days the wind would blow just right. Otherwise, there is truly nothing there. I find this impressive, actually. Its like a scented version of those quiet rooms that will drive you insane if you spend too much time there.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
BenRiach The Forty: 40 year old, matured in bourbon casks and finished in a combination of bourbon and port casks, 43.5% abv, SRP $4,500
Silverbelly Whiskey: This is..unpleasant. I have tasted moonshine of dodgy origin; that tasted better. This tastes like whiskey that someone had to hustle off the fermentation track. Whiskus interruptus. Not only does it look and smell completely unaged, it tastes that way, too. If I strain, like really, really, really strain, I can distantly locate some elements of caramel, but again, its more like sweetness that has just barely begun to caramelize. More like sugar cubes youd feed a horse.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
BenRiach The Forty: Comments: 40 year old, matured in bourbon casks and finished in a combination of bourbon and port casks, 43.5% abv, SRP $4,500
Silverbelly Whiskey: Comments: No mash bill available, but at least 51% corn; aged a minimum of two years in new oak; 91 proof; about $40. In the bottle: extremely pale gold
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
From a pure value standpoint, Silverbelly Whiskey edges ahead, delivering strong quality at $40.00 versus BenRiach The Forty's $4500.00.
The significant price gap between these two makes value an especially important factor in this comparison.
The Verdict
In this matchup, BenRiach The Forty takes the crown with a rating of 10/10 compared to Silverbelly Whiskey's 3/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, Silverbelly Whiskey is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of Silverbelly Whiskey appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
Read the Full Reviews
Final Reflections
BenRiach The Forty vs Silverbelly Whiskey: Is the Higher Rating Justified? is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
