Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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.

Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryLaphroaigSmooth Ambler
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV58.3%47.1%
Age11 yr12 yr
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/5

Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke65/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

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

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

Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

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).

Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is better value at £250 vs £299.

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

Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)

Cons

  • High ABV (58.3%) — may need water
  • 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)
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£299 vs £250)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

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 Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokeyKipperySherried

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

VanillaToastedChocolateDried Fruit

Explore more