Lagavulin 16 Year Old (White Horse Distillers) - 1990s (No Presentation Box) 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 16 Year Old (White Horse Distillers) - 1990s (No Presentation Box)Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryLagavulinSmooth Ambler
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV43%47.1%
Age16 yr12 yr
Price£350£299
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 16 Year Old (White Horse Distillers) - 1990s (No Presentation Box)

Smoke65/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

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

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

Lagavulin 16 Year Old (White Horse Distillers) - 1990s (No Presentation Box)

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 £350.

For beginners: Lagavulin 16 Year Old (White Horse Distillers) - 1990s (No Presentation Box) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 16 Year Old (White Horse Distillers) - 1990s (No Presentation Box)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£350 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 £350)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 16 Year Old (White Horse Distillers) - 1990s (No Presentation Box) 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 16 Year Old (White Horse Distillers) - 1990s (No Presentation Box)

SmokeyKipperyLeathery

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

VanillaToastedChocolateDried Fruit

Explore more