North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor) 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.

North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryNorth PortSmooth Ambler
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV58%47.1%
Age24 yr12 yr
Price£395£299
Rating5.00/5

North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

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

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

North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)

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).

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is better value at £299 vs £395.

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

North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (58%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£395 vs £299)
  • 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 affordable (£299 vs £395)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy North?

North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 WoodDried Fruit

Only North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)

LeatheryTobaccoHoney

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

VanillaToastedChocolate

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