Ballantine's 12 Year Old vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Ballantine's 12 Year Old | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ballantine's | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Other Scotch | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £34.48 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 4.33/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ballantine's 12 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Ballantine's 12 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.33).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £34.
For beginners: Ballantine's 12 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Ballantine's 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.48 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (4.3 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)
- +More affordable (£34.3 vs £34.48)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Ballantine's?
Ballantine's 12 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 Ballantine's 12 Year Old
Only The Big Smoke 46