Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s 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.

Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980sSmooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistillerySuntorySmooth Ambler
Region
CountryJapanAmerica
TypeBlendedBourbon
ABV40%47.1%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£240£299
Rating4.50/55.00/5

Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner85/100
Value19/100

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

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

Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s

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 4.50).

Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s is better value at £240 vs £299.

For beginners: Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£240 vs £299)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.5 vs 5.0)

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

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£299 vs £240)

Who should buy Suntory?

Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s 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.

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

Vanilla

Only Suntory Kakubin Whisky - 1980s

HoneyMalt ExtractTobacco

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

Old WoodToastedChocolateDried Fruit

Explore more