Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Single Traditional Blended Rum vs The Big Smoke 46

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

Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Single Traditional Blended RumThe Big Smoke 46
DistilleryAppletonDuncan Taylor
Region
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeBlended Malt
ABV40%46%
AgeNAS10 yr
Price£33.75£34.3
Rating5.00/5

Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Single Traditional Blended Rum

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

The Big Smoke 46

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

Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Single Traditional Blended Rum

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Big Smoke 46

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Single Traditional Blended Rum is better value at £34 vs £34.

For beginners: Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Single Traditional Blended Rum is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Single Traditional Blended Rum

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£33.75 vs £34.3)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 £33.75)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Appleton?

Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Single Traditional Blended Rum 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 Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Single Traditional Blended Rum

VanillaToastedCooked FruitHoney

Only The Big Smoke 46

SmokeyOily

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