Bowmore 9 Year Old vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Bowmore 9 Year Old | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 9 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £37.5 | £34.3 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 9 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Bowmore 9 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £38.
For beginners: Bowmore 9 Year Old is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
Bowmore 9 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£37.5 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
The Big Smoke 46
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£34.3 vs £37.5)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 9 Year Old 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
Both taste of
Only Bowmore 9 Year Old
Only The Big Smoke 46