Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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.

Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryBunnahabhainSmooth Ambler
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV40.2%47.1%
Age35 yr12 yr
Price£234.95£299
Rating2.50/55.00/5

Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value11/100

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

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

Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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 2.50).

Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £235 vs £299.

For beginners: Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£234.95 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (2.5 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)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£299 vs £234.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Bunnahabhain?

Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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 Bunnahabhain 35 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

LeatherySmokeyMossy

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

VanillaToastedChocolateDried Fruit

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