Lagavulin 20 Year Old 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.

Lagavulin 20 Year OldSmooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryLagavulinSmooth Ambler
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV48.1%47.1%
Age20 yr12 yr
Price£355.95£299
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 20 Year Old

Smoke68/100
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

Lagavulin 20 Year Old

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 £356.

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

Lagavulin 20 Year Old

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£355.95 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 £355.95)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 20 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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

Old Wood

Only Lagavulin 20 Year Old

SmokeyLeatherySherriedMedicinal

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

VanillaToastedChocolateDried Fruit

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