The Big Smoke 46 vs Tomatin 12 Year Old (40%)

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

The Big Smoke 46Tomatin 12 Year Old (40%)
DistilleryDuncan TaylorTomatin
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%40%
Age10 yr12 yr
Price£34.3£34.32
Rating5.00/53.44/5

The Big Smoke 46

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

Tomatin 12 Year Old (40%)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner85/100
Value100/100

The Big Smoke 46

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomatin 12 Year Old (40%)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.44).

The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £34.

For beginners: Tomatin 12 Year Old (40%) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

The Big Smoke 46

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£34.3 vs £34.32)

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Tomatin 12 Year Old (40%)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£34.32 vs £34.3)
  • Lower community rating (3.4 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Tomatin?

Tomatin 12 Year Old (40%) 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.

Tasting notes

Only The Big Smoke 46

SmokeyOily

Only Tomatin 12 Year Old (40%)

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaToasted

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