Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Tomintoul | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £39.86 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 3.80/5 | 5.00/5 |
Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish
The Big Smoke 46
Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.80).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £40.
For beginners: Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£39.86 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (3.8 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 affordable (£34.3 vs £39.86)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Tomintoul?
Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish 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 Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish
Only The Big Smoke 46