The Big Smoke 46 vs Johnnie Walker Black Ruby

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

The Big Smoke 46Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
DistilleryDuncan TaylorJohnnie Walker
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended
ABV46%40%
Age10 yrNAS
Price£34.3£30.5
Rating5.00/5

The Big Smoke 46

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner60/100
Value100/100

Johnnie Walker Black Ruby

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

The Big Smoke 46

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Johnnie Walker Black Ruby

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

SmokeyOily

Only Johnnie Walker Black Ruby

SherriedCooked FruitVanillaToastedMalt Extract

Explore more