Jim Beam Black 7 Year Old vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Jim Beam Black 7 Year Old | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Jim Beam | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 45% | 46% |
| Age | 7 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £31.5 | £34.3 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Jim Beam Black 7 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Jim Beam Black 7 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Jim Beam Black 7 Year Old is better value at £32 vs £34.
For beginners: Jim Beam Black 7 Year Old is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
Jim Beam Black 7 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£31.5 vs £34.3)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −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)
- +Longer maturation (10 vs 7 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.3 vs £31.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Jim?
Jim Beam Black 7 Year Old 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 Jim Beam Black 7 Year Old
Only The Big Smoke 46

