Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balvenie | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £20.95 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
The Big Smoke 46
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is better value at £21 vs £34.
For beginners: Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£20.95 vs £34.3)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
The Big Smoke 46
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.3 vs £20.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Balvenie?
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl) 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.
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 Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old (20cl)
Only The Big Smoke 46