The Big Smoke 46 vs The Irishman Founder's Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Big Smoke 46 | The Irishman Founder's Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Walsh |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 10 yr | NAS |
| Price | £34.3 | £38.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.19/5 |
The Big Smoke 46
The Irishman Founder's Reserve
The Big Smoke 46
The Irishman Founder's Reserve
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.19).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £39.
For beginners: The Irishman Founder's Reserve is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
The Big Smoke 46
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£34.3 vs £38.95)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Irishman Founder's Reserve
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£38.95 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (4.2 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 The?
The Irishman Founder's Reserve 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 The Irishman Founder's Reserve

