Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 Year Old Bourbon (cask 24176) - Drinks by the Dram Exclusive vs Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 Year Old Bourbon (cask 24176) - Drinks by the Dram ExclusiveIslay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistillerySmooth AmblerThat Boutique-y Whisky Company
Region
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV59.6%48.8%
Age5 yr11 yr
Price£73.95£66.95
Rating3.50/55.00/5

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 Year Old Bourbon (cask 24176) - Drinks by the Dram Exclusive

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner40/100
Value47/100

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner50/100
Value75/100

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 Year Old Bourbon (cask 24176) - Drinks by the Dram Exclusive

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.50).

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £67 vs £74.

For beginners: Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 Year Old Bourbon (cask 24176) - Drinks by the Dram Exclusive

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (59.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£73.95 vs £66.95)
  • Lower community rating (3.5 vs 5.0)

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£66.95 vs £73.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Smooth?

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 Year Old Bourbon (cask 24176) - Drinks by the Dram Exclusive 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 Islay?

Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 Year Old Bourbon (cask 24176) - Drinks by the Dram Exclusive

VanillaToastedNew WoodTobaccoChocolate

Only Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokeyMedicinalDried FruitLeathery

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