Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) 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.

Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Glentauchers
£250

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glentauchers | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 50.3% | 47.1% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
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).
Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
- −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 widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
Who should buy Glentauchers?
Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Glentauchers 20 Year Old 1997 (cask 3844) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release