Imperial 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 7531) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) 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.

Imperial 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 7531) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryImperialSmooth Ambler
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV41.7%47.1%
Age30 yr12 yr
Price£299.95£299
Rating5.00/5

Imperial 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 7531) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner55/100
Value17/100

Imperial 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 7531) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £300.

For beginners: Imperial 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 7531) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Imperial 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 7531) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£299.95 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 £299.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Imperial?

Imperial 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 7531) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

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

VanillaToastedOld Wood

Only Imperial 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 7531) - Celebration of the Cask (Càrn Mòr)

Fresh FruitHoney

Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

ChocolateDried Fruit

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