Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) 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.

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pulteney
★ 5.00
£399

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Pulteney | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 46% | 47.1% |
| Age | 26 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
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 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).
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £299)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£299 vs £399)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Old?
Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
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 Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release