The Big Smoke 46 vs Johnny Drum Black Label
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Big Smoke 46 | Johnny Drum Black Label | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Johnny Drum Distiling Co. |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Blended Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 46% | 43% |
| Age | 10 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £34.3 | £33.94 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
The Big Smoke 46
Johnny Drum Black Label
The Big Smoke 46
Johnny Drum Black Label
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Johnny Drum Black Label is better value at £34 vs £34.
For beginners: Johnny Drum Black Label 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 £33.94)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Johnny Drum Black Label
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£33.94 vs £34.3)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
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 Johnny?
Johnny Drum Black Label 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 Johnny Drum Black Label