The Antiquary 12 Year Old vs The Big Smoke 46
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Antiquary 12 Year Old | The Big Smoke 46 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Antiquary | Duncan Taylor |
| Region | Other Scotch | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £28.83 | £34.3 |
| Rating | 4.52/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Antiquary 12 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
The Antiquary 12 Year Old
The Big Smoke 46
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.52).
The Antiquary 12 Year Old is better value at £29 vs £34.
For beginners: The Antiquary 12 Year Old is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
The Antiquary 12 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£28.83 vs £34.3)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.5 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 £28.83)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy The?
The Antiquary 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
Only The Antiquary 12 Year Old
Only The Big Smoke 46