Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Dewar's | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Other Scotch | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 8 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £31.5 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 4.20/5 | 5.00/5 |
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth
The Big Smoke 46
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.20).
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth is better value at £32 vs £34.
For beginners: Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£31.5 vs £34.3)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.2 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)
- +Longer maturation (10 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.3 vs £31.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Dewar's?
Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth 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 Dewar's 8 Year Old Japanese Smooth
Only The Big Smoke 46