Ardbeg 21 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice 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 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice
Ardbeg
£344
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Ardbeg 21 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice | 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 | 54.3% | 47.1% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £344.3 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 21 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Ardbeg 21 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice
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 £344.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 21 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£344.3 vs £299)
- −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 affordable (£299 vs £344.3)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 21 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice 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
Only Ardbeg 21 Years Old 1993 (cask 1289) - Mackillop's Choice
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release