The Big Smoke 46 vs Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Big Smoke 46 | Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | D'arcy's |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 46% | 46% |
| Age | 10 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £34.3 | £46.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.00/5 |
The Big Smoke 46
Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £47.
For beginners: Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old is more approachable (80/100 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 £46.95)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£46.95 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 Matt?
Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old 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 Matt D’arcy & Co. 10 Year Old

