Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1 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.
Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1
Tomatin
★ 4.00
£350
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1 | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Tomatin | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 46% | 47.1% |
| Age | 25 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £350 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1
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 4.00).
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is better value at £299 vs £350.
For beginners: Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1 is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£350 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Tomatin?
Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1 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 Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release