Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi) 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.

Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi)
The Glenlivet
£270

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Glenlivet | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 52.1% | 47.1% |
| Age | 29 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £270.41 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi)
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).
Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi) is better value at £270 vs £299.
For beginners: Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£270.41 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (29 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52.1%) — 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 £270.41)
Who should buy Glenlivet?
Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release