Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) 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.

Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Master of Malt
★ 5.00
£287

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Master of Malt | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 43% | 47.1% |
| Age | 40 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £286.95 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Quick verdict
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is better value at £287 vs £299.
For beginners: Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£286.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£299 vs £286.95)
Who should buy Master?
Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
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
Only Master of Malt 40 Year Old Speyside (2nd Edition)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release