Dalmore 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 252) - Mackillop's Choice 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.

Dalmore 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 252) - Mackillop's ChoiceSmooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryDalmoreSmooth Ambler
RegionHighland
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV54.6%47.1%
Age27 yr12 yr
Price£299.95£299
Rating5.00/5

Dalmore 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 252) - Mackillop's Choice

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Dalmore 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 252) - Mackillop's Choice

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 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 £300.

For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Dalmore 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 252) - Mackillop's Choice

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (27 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299.95 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 £299.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Dalmore?

Dalmore 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 252) - Mackillop's Choice 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

Old WoodDried FruitChocolate

Only Dalmore 27 Year Old 1990 (cask 252) - Mackillop's Choice

Sherried

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

VanillaToasted

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