Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) vs The Big Smoke 46

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

Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)The Big Smoke 46
DistilleryMacduffDuncan Taylor
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV50%46%
Age17 yr10 yr
Price£47.62£34.3
Rating5.00/5

Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

The Big Smoke 46

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

Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - 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 £48.

For beginners: Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 10 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£47.62 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 £47.62)

Cons

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

Who should buy Macduff?

Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

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 Macduff 17 Year Old 1990 Cask 3905 - Old Malt Cask (Douglas Laing)

SherriedHoneyDried FruitOld WoodNutty

Only The Big Smoke 46

SmokeyOily

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