The Macallan 12 Year Old Fine Oak - Nick Veasey Six Pillars Barrel Edition 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.

The Macallan 12 Year Old Fine Oak - Nick Veasey Six Pillars Barrel Edition
The Macallan
£299

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| The Macallan 12 Year Old Fine Oak - Nick Veasey Six Pillars Barrel Edition | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 40% | 47.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £299 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
The Macallan 12 Year Old Fine Oak - Nick Veasey Six Pillars Barrel Edition
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
The Macallan 12 Year Old Fine Oak - Nick Veasey Six Pillars Barrel Edition
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 £299.
For beginners: The Macallan 12 Year Old Fine Oak - Nick Veasey Six Pillars Barrel Edition is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
The Macallan 12 Year Old Fine Oak - Nick Veasey Six Pillars Barrel Edition
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 12 Year Old Fine Oak - Nick Veasey Six Pillars Barrel Edition is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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 The Macallan 12 Year Old Fine Oak - Nick Veasey Six Pillars Barrel Edition
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release