The Big Smoke 46 vs Bushmills Black Bush
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Big Smoke 46 | Bushmills Black 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 | 4.45/5 |
The Big Smoke 46
Bushmills Black Bush
The Big Smoke 46
Bushmills Black Bush
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.45).
Bushmills Black Bush is better value at £27 vs £34.
For beginners: Bushmills Black Bush is more approachable (100/100 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 Black Bush
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£26.95 vs £34.3)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.4 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 Black Bush 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 Bushmills Black Bush