The Big Smoke 46 vs Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Big Smoke 46
Duncan Taylor
★ 5.00
£34
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)
Linkwood
£43
| The Big Smoke 46 | Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Linkwood |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 43% |
| Age | 10 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £34.3 | £42.74 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
The Big Smoke 46
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)
The Big Smoke 46
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £43.
For beginners: Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
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 £42.74)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£42.74 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory) 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.
Tasting notes
Only The Big Smoke 46
Only Linkwood 18 Year Old 1995 (casks 652+653) (Signatory)