Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1984 (casks 6081 - 6084) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1984 (casks 6081 - 6084) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
£399
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1984 (casks 6081 - 6084) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 59.1% | 47.1% |
| Age | 15 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1984 (casks 6081 - 6084) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1984 (casks 6081 - 6084) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)
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: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1984 (casks 6081 - 6084) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (59.1%) — may need water
- −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 Caol?
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1984 (casks 6081 - 6084) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1984 (casks 6081 - 6084) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Where to buy
Caol Ila 15 Year Old 1984 (casks 6081 - 6084) - Cask Strength (Gordon & MacPhail)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange