The Big Smoke 46 vs Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Big Smoke 46 | Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Dewar's |
| Region | — | Other Scotch |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Blended |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 10 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £34.3 | £31.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.20/5 |
The Big Smoke 46
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth
The Big Smoke 46
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.20).
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth is better value at £32 vs £34.
For beginners: Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
The Big Smoke 46
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (10 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.3 vs £31.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£31.5 vs £34.3)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.2 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 Dewar's?
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth 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 Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth

