Label 5 Classic Black vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Label 5 Classic Black | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Label 5 | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | NAS | 10 yr |
| Price | £26.5 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 4.14/5 | 5.00/5 |
Label 5 Classic Black
The Big Smoke 46
Label 5 Classic Black
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.14).
Label 5 Classic Black is better value at £27 vs £34.
For beginners: Label 5 Classic Black is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Label 5 Classic Black
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£26.5 vs £34.3)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.1 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
The Big Smoke 46
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.3 vs £26.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Label?
Label 5 Classic Black 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 Label 5 Classic Black
Only The Big Smoke 46