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)Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryGlentauchersSmooth Ambler
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV50.3%47.1%
Age20 yr12 yr
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/5

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

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner55/100
Value17/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

VanillaOld Wood

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

HoneySherriedNutty

Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

ToastedChocolateDried Fruit

Explore more