Maple Syrup & Toasted Oats & Orange Zest & Vanilla 8 Year Old vs The Big Smoke 46

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

Maple Syrup & Toasted Oats & Orange Zest & Vanilla 8 Year OldThe Big Smoke 46
DistilleryMaple Syrup & Toasted Oats & Orange Zest & VanillaDuncan Taylor
Region
CountryCanadaScotland
TypeCornBlended Malt
ABV40%46%
Age8 yr10 yr
Price£29.95£34.3
Rating4.43/55.00/5

Maple Syrup & Toasted Oats & Orange Zest & Vanilla 8 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

The Big Smoke 46

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

Maple Syrup & Toasted Oats & Orange Zest & Vanilla 8 Year Old

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Big Smoke 46

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.43).

Maple Syrup & Toasted Oats & Orange Zest & Vanilla 8 Year Old is better value at £30 vs £34.

For beginners: Maple Syrup & Toasted Oats & Orange Zest & Vanilla 8 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Maple Syrup & Toasted Oats & Orange Zest & Vanilla 8 Year Old

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£29.95 vs £34.3)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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)
  • +Longer maturation (10 vs 8 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£34.3 vs £29.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Maple?

Maple Syrup & Toasted Oats & Orange Zest & Vanilla 8 Year Old 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 Maple Syrup & Toasted Oats & Orange Zest & Vanilla 8 Year Old

VanillaToastedHoneyCitricFresh Fruit

Only The Big Smoke 46

SmokeyOily

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