Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Master of Malt | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £34.95 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney
The Big Smoke 46
Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £35.
For beginners: Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.95 vs £34.3)
The Big Smoke 46
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£34.3 vs £34.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Master?
Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney 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
Both taste of
Only Master of Malt 12 Year Old Orkney
Only The Big Smoke 46