The Big Smoke 46 vs Bushmills Red Bush
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Big Smoke 46 | Bushmills Red Bush | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Bushmills |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 10 yr | NAS |
| Price | £34.3 | £26.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.50/5 |
The Big Smoke 46
Bushmills Red Bush
The Big Smoke 46
Bushmills Red Bush
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.50).
Bushmills Red Bush is better value at £27 vs £34.
For beginners: Bushmills Red Bush is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
The Big Smoke 46
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.3 vs £26.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bushmills Red Bush
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£26.95 vs £34.3)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.5 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 Bushmills?
Bushmills Red Bush suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Tasting notes
Only The Big Smoke 46
Only Bushmills Red Bush

