Clynelish 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 6921) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) 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.
Clynelish 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 6921) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Clynelish
£250
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Clynelish 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 6921) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Clynelish | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 55.3% | 47.1% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Clynelish 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 6921) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Clynelish 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 6921) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
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).
Clynelish 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 6921) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Clynelish 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 6921) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Pros
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — 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 £250)
Who should buy Clynelish?
Clynelish 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 6921) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) 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 Clynelish 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 6921) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release