Aquila 12 Year Old Whisky vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Aquila 12 Year Old Whisky | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aquila | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 44.3% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £34.95 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 4.80/5 | 5.00/5 |
Aquila 12 Year Old Whisky
The Big Smoke 46
Aquila 12 Year Old Whisky
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.80).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £35.
For beginners: Aquila 12 Year Old Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Aquila 12 Year Old Whisky
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.95 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (4.8 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 £34.95)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Aquila?
Aquila 12 Year Old Whisky 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 Aquila 12 Year Old Whisky
Only The Big Smoke 46

