The Big Smoke 46 vs Bushmills 12 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Big Smoke 46 | Bushmills 12 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Bushmills |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Ireland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 10 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £34.3 | £37.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
The Big Smoke 46
Bushmills 12 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Bushmills 12 Year Old
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £38.
For beginners: Bushmills 12 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 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 £37.95)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bushmills 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£37.95 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 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 Bushmills?
Bushmills 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only The Big Smoke 46
Only Bushmills 12 Year Old

