The Big Smoke 60 vs Lower East Side Blended Malt

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

The Big Smoke 60Lower East Side Blended Malt
DistilleryDuncan TaylorLower East Side
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV60%40%
Age10 yrNAS
Price£44.83£29.9
Rating5.00/55.00/5

The Big Smoke 60

Smoke63/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner30/100
Value100/100

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

The Big Smoke 60

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lower East Side Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £45.

For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

The Big Smoke 60

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (60%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£44.83 vs £29.9)

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£29.9 vs £44.83)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy The?

The Big Smoke 60 is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Lower?

Lower East Side Blended Malt 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.

Tasting notes

Only The Big Smoke 60

SmokeyCoal-gasOilyDried Fruit

Only Lower East Side Blended Malt

Fresh FruitHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

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