Bushmills 12 Year Old vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Bushmills 12 Year Old | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bushmills | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £37.95 | £34.3 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bushmills 12 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Bushmills 12 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: Bushmills 12 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Bushmills 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£37.95 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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 £37.95)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bushmills?
Bushmills 12 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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 Bushmills 12 Year Old
Only The Big Smoke 46

