The Big Smoke 46 vs Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| The Big Smoke 46 | Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Tomintoul |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 46% |
| Age | 10 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £34.3 | £39.86 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 3.80/5 |
The Big Smoke 46
Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish
The Big Smoke 46
Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish
Quick verdict
The Big Smoke 46 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.80).
The Big Smoke 46 is better value at £34 vs £40.
For beginners: Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish is more approachable (90/100 beginner score).
The Big Smoke 46
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£34.3 vs £39.86)
Cons
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£39.86 vs £34.3)
- −Lower community rating (3.8 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 Tomintoul?
Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish 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
Only Tomintoul 12 Year Old Portwood Finish