Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market) 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.

Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market)
Blanton's
£250

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Blanton's | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | America | America |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| ABV | 40% | 47.1% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market)
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).
Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
Cons
- −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 Blanton's?
Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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 Blanton's Black Label Single Barrel (Japanese Market)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release