The Big Smoke 46 vs North British 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Grain Collection (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

The Big Smoke 46
Duncan Taylor
★ 5.00
£34

North British 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Grain Collection (Signatory)
North British
£28
| The Big Smoke 46 | North British 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Grain Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | North British |
| Region | — | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 46% | 43% |
| Age | 10 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £34.3 | £28.13 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
The Big Smoke 46
North British 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Grain Collection (Signatory)
The Big Smoke 46
North British 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Grain Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
North British 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Grain Collection (Signatory) is better value at £28 vs £34.
For beginners: North British 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Grain Collection (Signatory) 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 £28.13)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
North British 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Grain Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£28.13 vs £34.3)
- +Longer maturation (16 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 North?
North British 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Grain Collection (Signatory) 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 North British 16 Year Old 1997 - Single Grain Collection (Signatory)