Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market) 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.

Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market)Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryBlanton'sSmooth Ambler
Region
CountryAmericaAmerica
TypeBourbonBourbon
ABV40%47.1%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/5

Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

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

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

Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market)

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).

Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market) is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)

Cons

  • 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 Blanton's?

Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market) 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

VanillaToastedChocolate

Only Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market)

HoneyNew Wood

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

Old WoodDried Fruit

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