Bushmills Red Bush vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Bushmills Red 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 | 3.50/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bushmills Red Bush
The Big Smoke 46
Bushmills Red Bush
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.50).
Bushmills Red Bush is better value at £27 vs £34.
For beginners: Bushmills Red Bush is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Bushmills Red Bush
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£26.95 vs £34.3)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.5 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 Red Bush suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended 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 Red Bush
Only The Big Smoke 46

