Bruichladdich 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Litre Islay Whisky 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.

Bruichladdich 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Litre Islay Whisky
Bruichladdich
£350

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Bruichladdich 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Litre Islay Whisky | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bruichladdich | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | United Kingdom | America |
| Type | Bourbon | |
| ABV | 40% | 47.1% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £350 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bruichladdich 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Litre Islay Whisky
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Bruichladdich 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Litre Islay Whisky
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
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 £350.
For beginners: Bruichladdich 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Litre Islay Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Bruichladdich 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Litre Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£350 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 £350)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bruichladdich?
Bruichladdich 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Litre Islay Whisky 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
Only Bruichladdich 17 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Litre Islay Whisky
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release