Chichibu 2014 (bottled 2021) (cask 3351) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd) 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.
Chichibu 2014 (bottled 2021) (cask 3351) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Chichibu
£475
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Chichibu 2014 (bottled 2021) (cask 3351) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Chichibu | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 57.6% | 47.1% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £475 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Chichibu 2014 (bottled 2021) (cask 3351) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Chichibu 2014 (bottled 2021) (cask 3351) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
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 £475.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Chichibu 2014 (bottled 2021) (cask 3351) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (57.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£475 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 £475)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Chichibu?
Chichibu 2014 (bottled 2021) (cask 3351) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd) 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
Only Chichibu 2014 (bottled 2021) (cask 3351) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release