The Big Smoke 46 vs Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Big Smoke 46 | Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Ardbeg |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 47.4% |
| Age | 10 yr | 5 yr |
| Price | £34.3 | £33.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.08/5 |
The Big Smoke 46
Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.08).
Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old is better value at £34 vs £34.
For beginners: The Big Smoke 46 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
The Big Smoke 46
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (10 vs 5 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.3 vs £33.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£33.95 vs £34.3)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.1 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 Ardbeg?
Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old
Where to buy
The Big Smoke 46
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5 Year Old
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange

