The Big Smoke 46 vs The GlenDronach 12 Year Old (old bottling)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Big Smoke 46
Duncan Taylor
★ 5.00
£34
The GlenDronach 12 Year Old (old bottling)
GlenDronach
★ 4.27
£46
| The Big Smoke 46 | The GlenDronach 12 Year Old (old bottling) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | GlenDronach |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 43% |
| Age | 10 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £34.3 | £45.86 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.27/5 |
The Big Smoke 46
The GlenDronach 12 Year Old (old bottling)
The Big Smoke 46
The GlenDronach 12 Year Old (old bottling)
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.27).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £46.
For beginners: The GlenDronach 12 Year Old (old bottling) is more approachable (90/100 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 £45.86)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The GlenDronach 12 Year Old (old bottling)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£45.86 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (4.3 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 GlenDronach 12 Year Old (old bottling) 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 GlenDronach 12 Year Old (old bottling)