Astra Victoria 12 Year Old vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Astra Victoria 12 Year Old | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Astra Victoria | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 45.8% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £27.95 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 3.17/5 | 5.00/5 |
Astra Victoria 12 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Astra Victoria 12 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.17).
Astra Victoria 12 Year Old is better value at £28 vs £34.
For beginners: Astra Victoria 12 Year Old is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Astra Victoria 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£27.95 vs £34.3)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.2 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
The Big Smoke 46
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.3 vs £27.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Astra?
Astra Victoria 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
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.
Tasting notes
Only Astra Victoria 12 Year Old
Only The Big Smoke 46