Benriach 16 Year Old Sauternes Finish vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Benriach 16 Year Old Sauternes Finish | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benriach | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 46% |
| Age | 16 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £40.05 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 4.57/5 | 5.00/5 |
Benriach 16 Year Old Sauternes Finish
The Big Smoke 46
Benriach 16 Year Old Sauternes Finish
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.57).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £40.
For beginners: Benriach 16 Year Old Sauternes Finish is more approachable (80/100 beginner score).
Benriach 16 Year Old Sauternes Finish
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 10 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£40.05 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (4.6 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)
- +More affordable (£34.3 vs £40.05)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Benriach?
Benriach 16 Year Old Sauternes 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 Benriach 16 Year Old Sauternes Finish
Only The Big Smoke 46