Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask 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.
Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask
Highland Park
£399
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 46% | 47.1% |
| Age | 23 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask
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).
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is better value at £299 vs £399.
For beginners: Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 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 £399)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Highland Park 23 Year Old 1981 (cask 6043) - First Cask
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release