Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old vs The Big Smoke 46

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

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year OldThe Big Smoke 46
DistilleryJohnnie WalkerDuncan Taylor
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV40%46%
Age12 yr10 yr
Price£29.95£34.3
Rating3.94/55.00/5

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old

Smoke64/100
Sweetness57/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

The Big Smoke 46

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

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Big Smoke 46

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.94).

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old is better value at £30 vs £34.

For beginners: Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£29.95 vs £34.3)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.9 vs 5.0)

The Big Smoke 46

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)

Cons

  • More expensive (£34.3 vs £29.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Johnnie?

Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch 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

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old

ToastedMalt ExtractVanilla

Only The Big Smoke 46

Oily

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