Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aberlour | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £43.14 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 4.27/5 | 5.00/5 |
Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured
The Big Smoke 46
Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.27).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £43.
For beginners: Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£43.14 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (4.3 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 £43.14)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Aberlour?
Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured 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 Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Matured
Only The Big Smoke 46