The Big Smoke 46 vs The Antiquary 15 Year Old – Claret Casks
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

The Big Smoke 46
Duncan Taylor
★ 5.00
£34

The Antiquary 15 Year Old – Claret Casks
The Antiquary
★ 3.50
£45
| The Big Smoke 46 | The Antiquary 15 Year Old – Claret Casks | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | The Antiquary |
| Region | — | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 10 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £34.3 | £44.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.50/5 |
The Big Smoke 46
The Antiquary 15 Year Old – Claret Casks
The Big Smoke 46
The Antiquary 15 Year Old – Claret Casks
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.50).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £45.
For beginners: The Antiquary 15 Year Old – Claret Casks is more approachable (75/100 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 £44.9)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Antiquary 15 Year Old – Claret Casks
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 10 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£44.9 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (3.5 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 Antiquary 15 Year Old – Claret Casks suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Only The Big Smoke 46
Only The Antiquary 15 Year Old – Claret Casks