Old Pulteney 12 Year Old vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Old Pulteney 12 Year Old | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Pulteney | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £32.95 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 4.21/5 | 5.00/5 |
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.21).
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old is better value at £33 vs £34.
For beginners: Old Pulteney 12 Year Old is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£32.95 vs £34.3)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.2 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)
Cons
- −More expensive (£34.3 vs £32.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Old?
Old Pulteney 12 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
Both taste of
Only Old Pulteney 12 Year Old
Only The Big Smoke 46