Blair Athol 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 328649) - 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.
Blair Athol 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 328649) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Blair Athol
£460
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Blair Athol 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 328649) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Blair Athol | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 54% | 47.1% |
| Age | 27 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £459.9 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Blair Athol 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 328649) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Blair Athol 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 328649) - 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 £460.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Blair Athol 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 328649) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (27 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£459.9 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 £459.9)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Blair?
Blair Athol 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 328649) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 Blair Athol 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 328649) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release