Scapa 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 1191) - Mackillop's Choice 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.
Scapa 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 1191) - Mackillop's Choice
Scapa
£238
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Scapa 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 1191) - Mackillop's Choice | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Scapa | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 55.9% | 47.1% |
| Age | 23 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £238.19 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Scapa 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 1191) - Mackillop's Choice
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Scapa 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 1191) - Mackillop's Choice
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).
Scapa 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 1191) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £238 vs £299.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Scapa 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 1191) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +More affordable (£238.19 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (55.9%) — 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 £238.19)
Who should buy Scapa?
Scapa 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 1191) - Mackillop's Choice 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 Scapa 23 Year Old 1991 (cask 1191) - Mackillop's Choice
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release