Gelston's Single Malt vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Gelston's Single Malt | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Gelston's | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Ireland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | NAS | 10 yr |
| Price | £28.74 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 2.60/5 | 5.00/5 |
Gelston's Single Malt
The Big Smoke 46
Gelston's Single Malt
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.60).
Gelston's Single Malt is better value at £29 vs £34.
For beginners: Gelston's Single Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Gelston's Single Malt
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£28.74 vs £34.3)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (2.6 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)
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.3 vs £28.74)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Gelston's?
Gelston's Single Malt 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 Gelston's Single Malt
Only The Big Smoke 46

