The Big Smoke 46 vs Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Tulip Edition - DS Tayman
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

The Big Smoke 46
Duncan Taylor
★ 5.00
£34

Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Tulip Edition - DS Tayman
Caol Ila
£50
| The Big Smoke 46 | Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Tulip Edition - DS Tayman | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Caol Ila |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 46% |
| Age | 10 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £34.3 | £49.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
The Big Smoke 46
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Tulip Edition - DS Tayman
The Big Smoke 46
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Tulip Edition - DS Tayman
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £50.
For beginners: Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Tulip Edition - DS Tayman is more approachable (70/100 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 £49.95)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Tulip Edition - DS Tayman
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£49.95 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 Caol?
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Tulip Edition - DS Tayman 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
Both taste of
Only The Big Smoke 46
Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Tulip Edition - DS Tayman
Where to buy
The Big Smoke 46
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2010 Tulip Edition - DS Tayman
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange