The Big Smoke 46 vs A Secret Highland Distillery 8 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

The Big Smoke 46
Duncan Taylor
★ 5.00
£34

A Secret Highland Distillery 8 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Master of Malt
★ 4.00
£30
| The Big Smoke 46 | A Secret Highland Distillery 8 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Master of Malt |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 40% |
| Age | 10 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £34.3 | £29.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.00/5 |
The Big Smoke 46
A Secret Highland Distillery 8 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
The Big Smoke 46
A Secret Highland Distillery 8 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
A Secret Highland Distillery 8 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £30 vs £34.
For beginners: A Secret Highland Distillery 8 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (85/100 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.3 vs £29.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
A Secret Highland Distillery 8 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£29.95 vs £34.3)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 A?
A Secret Highland Distillery 8 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only The Big Smoke 46
Only A Secret Highland Distillery 8 Year Old 2016 Single Cask (Master of Malt)