McGibbon's 12 Year Old Platinum Ribbon vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
McGibbon's 12 Year Old Platinum Ribbon
Douglas McGibbon
★ 5.00
£28
The Big Smoke 46
Duncan Taylor
★ 5.00
£34
| McGibbon's 12 Year Old Platinum Ribbon | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Douglas McGibbon | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £27.5 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
McGibbon's 12 Year Old Platinum Ribbon
The Big Smoke 46
McGibbon's 12 Year Old Platinum Ribbon
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
McGibbon's 12 Year Old Platinum Ribbon is better value at £28 vs £34.
For beginners: McGibbon's 12 Year Old Platinum Ribbon is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
McGibbon's 12 Year Old Platinum Ribbon
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£27.5 vs £34.3)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
The Big Smoke 46
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.3 vs £27.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy McGibbon's?
McGibbon's 12 Year Old Platinum Ribbon 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 McGibbon's 12 Year Old Platinum Ribbon
Only The Big Smoke 46