Ancient Age / Small Bottle Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey vs Bell's Original
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ancient Age / Small Bottle Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Ancient Age
£15

Bell's Original
Bell's
★ 2.75
£19
| Ancient Age / Small Bottle Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Bell's Original | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ancient Age | Bell's |
| Region | — | Other Scotch |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | |
| ABV | 40% | 40% |
| Age | NAS | NAS |
| Price | £14.95 | £18.75 |
| Rating | — | 2.75/5 |
Ancient Age / Small Bottle Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bell's Original
Ancient Age / Small Bottle Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bell's Original
Quick verdict
Bell's Original is rated higher (2.75 vs 0.00).
Ancient Age / Small Bottle Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is better value at £15 vs £19.
For beginners: Ancient Age / Small Bottle Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is more approachable (100/100 beginner score).
Ancient Age / Small Bottle Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£14.95 vs £18.75)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 2.8)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Bell's Original
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (2.8/5)
Cons
- −More expensive (£18.75 vs £14.95)
Who should buy Ancient?
Ancient Age / Small Bottle Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 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 Bell's?
Bell's Original suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Other Scotch character.
Tasting notes
Only Ancient Age / Small Bottle Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Only Bell's Original