Aberlour 12 Year Old 2000 Cask 9340 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) vs The Big Smoke 46

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

Aberlour 12 Year Old 2000 Cask 9340 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)The Big Smoke 46
DistilleryAberlourDuncan Taylor
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV50%46%
Age12 yr10 yr
Price£56.61£34.3
Rating5.00/5

Aberlour 12 Year Old 2000 Cask 9340 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner75/100
Value0/100

The Big Smoke 46

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner60/100
Value100/100

Aberlour 12 Year Old 2000 Cask 9340 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Big Smoke 46

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £57.

For beginners: Aberlour 12 Year Old 2000 Cask 9340 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Aberlour 12 Year Old 2000 Cask 9340 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£56.61 vs £34.3)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

The Big Smoke 46

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£34.3 vs £56.61)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Aberlour?

Aberlour 12 Year Old 2000 Cask 9340 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) 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 The?

The Big Smoke 46 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Aberlour 12 Year Old 2000 Cask 9340 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

HoneyVanillaSherriedOld WoodDried Fruit

Only The Big Smoke 46

SmokeyOily

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