The Big Smoke 46 vs Invergordon 14 Year Old 2011 (cask 5247849) Palo Cortado Finish - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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

The Big Smoke 46Invergordon 14 Year Old 2011 (cask 5247849) Palo Cortado Finish - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryDuncan TaylorInvergordon
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltGrain
ABV46%55.6%
Age10 yr14 yr
Price£34.3£51.5
Rating5.00/5

The Big Smoke 46

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

Invergordon 14 Year Old 2011 (cask 5247849) Palo Cortado Finish - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

The Big Smoke 46

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Invergordon 14 Year Old 2011 (cask 5247849) Palo Cortado Finish - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £52.

For beginners: The Big Smoke 46 is more approachable (60/100 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 £51.5)

Cons

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

Invergordon 14 Year Old 2011 (cask 5247849) Palo Cortado Finish - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (14 vs 10 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£51.5 vs £34.3)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Invergordon?

Invergordon 14 Year Old 2011 (cask 5247849) Palo Cortado Finish - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only The Big Smoke 46

SmokeyOily

Only Invergordon 14 Year Old 2011 (cask 5247849) Palo Cortado Finish - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SherriedVanillaDried FruitOld WoodHoney

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