North British 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 5943449) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) vs The Big Smoke 46

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

North British 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 5943449) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)The Big Smoke 46
DistilleryNorth BritishDuncan Taylor
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainBlended Malt
ABV53.9%46%
Age15 yr10 yr
Price£31.95£34.3
Rating5.00/55.00/5

North British 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 5943449) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner75/100
Value100/100

The Big Smoke 46

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

North British 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 5943449) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

The Big Smoke 46

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

North British 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 5943449) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £32 vs £34.

For beginners: North British 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 5943449) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).

North British 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 5943449) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£31.95 vs £34.3)
  • +Longer maturation (15 vs 10 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • 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 £31.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy North?

North British 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 5943449) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) 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 North British 15 Year Old 2009 (cask 5943449) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractOld WoodCitric

Only The Big Smoke 46

SmokeyOily

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