Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1994 (cask 13719) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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.
Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1994 (cask 13719) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Braeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)
£265
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1994 (cask 13719) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Braeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet) | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 50.6% | 47.1% |
| Age | 25 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £265 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1994 (cask 13719) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1994 (cask 13719) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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).
Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1994 (cask 13719) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £265 vs £299.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1994 (cask 13719) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£265 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (50.6%) — may need water
- −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 widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£299 vs £265)
Who should buy Braes?
Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1994 (cask 13719) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 Braes of Glenlivet 25 Year Old 1994 (cask 13719) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release