Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru 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.
Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru
Glenfiddich
★ 4.14
£243
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glenfiddich | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 40% | 47.1% |
| Age | 23 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £242.95 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.14/5 | 5.00/5 |
Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru
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 4.14).
Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru is better value at £243 vs £299.
For beginners: Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£242.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.1 vs 5.0)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Pros
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£299 vs £242.95)
Who should buy Glenfiddich?
Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru 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 Glenfiddich 23 Year Old - Grand Cru
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release