Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryBladnochSmooth Ambler
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV52.3%47.1%
Age28 yr12 yr
Price£262.18£299
Rating5.00/5

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

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

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

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).

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £262 vs £299.

For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£262.18 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (52.3%) — 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 £262.18)

Who should buy Bladnoch?

Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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

VanillaOld WoodToasted

Only Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Fresh FruitHoney

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

ChocolateDried Fruit

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