Ballantine's Finest Kiss vs The Big Smoke 46

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

Ballantine's Finest KissThe Big Smoke 46
DistilleryBallantine'sDuncan Taylor
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV40%46%
AgeNAS10 yr
Price£27.95£34.3
Rating5.00/5

Ballantine's Finest Kiss

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

The Big Smoke 46

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

Ballantine's Finest Kiss

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Big Smoke 46

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ballantine's Finest Kiss is better value at £28 vs £34.

For beginners: Ballantine's Finest Kiss is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Ballantine's Finest Kiss

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£27.95 vs £34.3)

Cons

  • 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£34.3 vs £27.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Ballantine's?

Ballantine's Finest Kiss 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 Finest Kiss

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractToasted

Only The Big Smoke 46

SmokeyOily

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