Aultmore 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 9526783) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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.

Aultmore 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 9526783) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Aultmore
£315

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Aultmore 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 9526783) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Aultmore | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 42.6% | 47.1% |
| Age | 29 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £314.96 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Aultmore 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 9526783) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Aultmore 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 9526783) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
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 £315.
For beginners: Aultmore 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 9526783) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Aultmore 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 9526783) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (29 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£314.96 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 £314.96)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Aultmore?
Aultmore 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 9526783) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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
Only Aultmore 29 Year Old 1990 (cask 9526783) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release