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)Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryPulteneySmooth Ambler
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV46%47.1%
Age26 yr12 yr
Price£399£299
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner50/100
Value13/100

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner55/100
Value17/100

Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

Toasted

Only Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage (bottled 2015)

SmokeyCitricHoneyFresh Fruit

Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

VanillaOld WoodChocolateDried Fruit

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