Caperdonich 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 5884) - Distillery Reserve Collection (Chivas Brothers) 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.
Caperdonich 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 5884) - Distillery Reserve Collection (Chivas Brothers)
Caperdonich
£295
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Caperdonich 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 5884) - Distillery Reserve Collection (Chivas Brothers) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caperdonich | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 55.1% | 47.1% |
| Age | 22 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £295 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caperdonich 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 5884) - Distillery Reserve Collection (Chivas Brothers)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Caperdonich 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 5884) - Distillery Reserve Collection (Chivas Brothers)
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).
Caperdonich 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 5884) - Distillery Reserve Collection (Chivas Brothers) is better value at £295 vs £299.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Caperdonich 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 5884) - Distillery Reserve Collection (Chivas Brothers)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£295 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.1%) — 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 £295)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caperdonich?
Caperdonich 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 5884) - Distillery Reserve Collection (Chivas Brothers) 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 Caperdonich 22 Year Old 1997 (cask 5884) - Distillery Reserve Collection (Chivas Brothers)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release