Isle Of Skye 12 Year Old (Ian Macleod) vs The Big Smoke 46

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Isle Of Skye 12 Year Old (Ian Macleod)The Big Smoke 46
DistilleryIan MacleodDuncan Taylor
RegionOther Scotch
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlendedBlended Malt
ABV40%46%
Age12 yr10 yr
Price£29.72£34.3
Rating4.40/55.00/5

Isle Of Skye 12 Year Old (Ian Macleod)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

The Big Smoke 46

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner60/100
Value100/100

Isle Of Skye 12 Year Old (Ian Macleod)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Big Smoke 46

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.40).

Isle Of Skye 12 Year Old (Ian Macleod) is better value at £30 vs £34.

For beginners: Isle Of Skye 12 Year Old (Ian Macleod) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Isle Of Skye 12 Year Old (Ian Macleod)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£29.72 vs £34.3)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)

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 £29.72)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Isle?

Isle Of Skye 12 Year Old (Ian Macleod) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch 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 Isle Of Skye 12 Year Old (Ian Macleod)

SherriedHoneyDried FruitMalt ExtractToasted

Only The Big Smoke 46

SmokeyOily

Explore more