Cardhu 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2013) 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.
Cardhu 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2013)
Cardhu
£250
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Cardhu 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2013) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Cardhu | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 54.2% | 47.1% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Cardhu 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2013)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Cardhu 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2013)
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).
Cardhu 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2013) 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).
Cardhu 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2013)
Pros
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — 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 Cardhu?
Cardhu 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2013) 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 Cardhu 21 Year Old 1991 (Special Release 2013)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release