The Big Smoke 46 vs Invergordon 16 Year Old 2009 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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

The Big Smoke 46Invergordon 16 Year Old 2009 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryDuncan TaylorInvergordon
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltGrain
ABV46%54.4%
Age10 yr16 yr
Price£34.3£53.95
Rating5.00/5

The Big Smoke 46

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

Invergordon 16 Year Old 2009 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

The Big Smoke 46

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Invergordon 16 Year Old 2009 - 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 £54.

For beginners: Invergordon 16 Year Old 2009 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (65/100 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 £53.95)

Cons

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

Invergordon 16 Year Old 2009 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (16 vs 10 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£53.95 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 16 Year Old 2009 - 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 16 Year Old 2009 - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SherriedVanillaHoneyDried Fruit

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