Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 10065) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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.
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 10065) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Ardbeg
★ 3.80
£469
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 10065) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 48.6% | 47.1% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £468.77 | £299 |
| Rating | 3.80/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 10065) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 10065) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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 3.80).
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is better value at £299 vs £469.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 10065) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£468.77 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (3.8 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)
- +More affordable (£299 vs £468.77)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 10065) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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
Only Ardbeg 21 Year Old 1992 (cask 10065) - Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release