SMWS 19.38 19 Year Old 1985 vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

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

SMWS 19.38 19 Year Old 1985Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryGlen GariochSmooth Ambler
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV52.9%47.1%
Age19 yr12 yr
Price£295£299
Rating5.00/5

SMWS 19.38 19 Year Old 1985

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner55/100
Value17/100

SMWS 19.38 19 Year Old 1985

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

SMWS 19.38 19 Year Old 1985 is better value at £295 vs £299.

For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

SMWS 19.38 19 Year Old 1985

Pros

  • +More affordable (£295 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.9%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£299 vs £295)

Who should buy SMWS?

SMWS 19.38 19 Year Old 1985 is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Smooth?

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Bourbon character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only SMWS 19.38 19 Year Old 1985

FragantHay-likeFresh Fruit

Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

VanillaToastedChocolateDried Fruit

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