Barbancourt 5 Star Rum / Réserve Spéciale / Bot.1970s 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.
Barbancourt 5 Star Rum / Réserve Spéciale / Bot.1970s
Barbancourt
£399
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Barbancourt 5 Star Rum / Réserve Spéciale / Bot.1970s | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Barbancourt | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | United Kingdom | America |
| Type | Bourbon | |
| ABV | 40% | 47.1% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Barbancourt 5 Star Rum / Réserve Spéciale / Bot.1970s
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Barbancourt 5 Star Rum / Réserve Spéciale / Bot.1970s
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: Barbancourt 5 Star Rum / Réserve Spéciale / Bot.1970s is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Barbancourt 5 Star Rum / Réserve Spéciale / Bot.1970s
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
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
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Barbancourt?
Barbancourt 5 Star Rum / Réserve Spéciale / Bot.1970s 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
Only Barbancourt 5 Star Rum / Réserve Spéciale / Bot.1970s
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release