Bushmills Black Bush vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Bushmills Black Bush | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bushmills | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | NAS | 10 yr |
| Price | £26.95 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 4.45/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bushmills Black Bush
The Big Smoke 46
Bushmills Black Bush
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.45).
Bushmills Black Bush is better value at £27 vs £34.
For beginners: Bushmills Black Bush is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Bushmills Black Bush
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£26.95 vs £34.3)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.4 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 £26.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bushmills?
Bushmills Black Bush 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 Bushmills Black Bush
Only The Big Smoke 46