Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021 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.
Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021
Bowmore
£399
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021 | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bowmore | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 51.2% | 47.1% |
| Age | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021
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).
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).
Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£399 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 £399)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bowmore?
Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Bowmore 18 Year Old (bottled 2020) - Fèis Ìle 2021
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release