Lower East Side Blended Malt vs The Big Smoke 60

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

Lower East Side Blended MaltThe Big Smoke 60
DistilleryLower East SideDuncan Taylor
Region
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltBlended Malt
ABV40%60%
AgeNAS10 yr
Price£29.9£44.83
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner100/100
Value100/100

The Big Smoke 60

Smoke63/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner30/100
Value100/100

Lower East Side Blended Malt

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Big Smoke 60

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lower East Side Blended Malt is better value at £30 vs £45.

For beginners: Lower East Side Blended Malt is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).

Lower East Side Blended Malt

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£29.9 vs £44.83)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

The Big Smoke 60

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (60%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£44.83 vs £29.9)

Who should buy Lower?

Lower East Side Blended 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 60 is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Only Lower East Side Blended Malt

Fresh FruitHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

Only The Big Smoke 60

SmokeyCoal-gasOilyDried Fruit

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