Yamazaki Limited Edition 2021 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.

Yamazaki Limited Edition 2021
Yamazaki
£399

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Yamazaki Limited Edition 2021 | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Yamazaki | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 43% | 47.1% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Yamazaki Limited Edition 2021
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Yamazaki Limited Edition 2021
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 £399.
For beginners: Yamazaki Limited Edition 2021 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Yamazaki Limited Edition 2021
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 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 £399)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Yamazaki?
Yamazaki Limited Edition 2021 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 Yamazaki Limited Edition 2021
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release