The Big Smoke 46 vs Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Big Smoke 46 | Johnnie Walker Black Ruby | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Johnnie Walker |
| Region | — | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 10 yr | NAS |
| Price | £34.3 | £30.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
The Big Smoke 46
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
The Big Smoke 46
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby is better value at £31 vs £34.
For beginners: Johnnie Walker Black Ruby 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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.3 vs £30.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£30.5 vs £34.3)
Cons
- −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 Johnnie?
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby 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 Johnnie Walker Black Ruby

