Lismore 8 Year Old Special Reserve vs The Big Smoke 46

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

Lismore 8 Year Old Special ReserveThe Big Smoke 46
DistilleryLismoreDuncan Taylor
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV40%46%
Age8 yr10 yr
Price£28.95£34.3
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Lismore 8 Year Old Special Reserve

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

The Big Smoke 46

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

Lismore 8 Year Old Special Reserve

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Big Smoke 46

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Lismore 8 Year Old Special Reserve is better value at £29 vs £34.

For beginners: Lismore 8 Year Old Special Reserve is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Lismore 8 Year Old Special Reserve

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£28.95 vs £34.3)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.0 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)
  • +Longer maturation (10 vs 8 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£34.3 vs £28.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Lismore?

Lismore 8 Year Old Special Reserve suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended 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 Lismore 8 Year Old Special Reserve

VanillaHoneyFresh FruitToastedMalt Extract

Only The Big Smoke 46

SmokeyOily

Explore more