Johnnie Walker Black Ruby vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Johnnie Walker Black Ruby | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Johnnie Walker | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Other Scotch | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | NAS | 10 yr |
| Price | £30.5 | £34.3 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
The Big Smoke 46
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby is better value at £31 vs £34.
For beginners: Johnnie Walker Black Ruby is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£30.5 vs £34.3)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.3 vs £30.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Johnnie?
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby 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 Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
Only The Big Smoke 46

