The Macallan 18 Year Old Double Cask 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 18 Year Old Double CaskSmooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryThe MacallanSmooth Ambler
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV43%47.1%
Age18 yr12 yr
Price£293.95£299
Rating3.57/55.00/5

The Macallan 18 Year Old Double Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness52/100
Beginner70/100
Value12/100

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

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

The Macallan 18 Year Old Double Cask

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 3.57).

The Macallan 18 Year Old Double Cask is better value at £294 vs £299.

For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Double Cask is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

The Macallan 18 Year Old Double Cask

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£293.95 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Lower community rating (3.6 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)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£299 vs £293.95)

Who should buy The?

The Macallan 18 Year Old Double Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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

VanillaToastedDried Fruit

Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Double Cask

SherriedNutty

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

Old WoodChocolate

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