Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 2002 (Cask 427) – Nickolls & Perks Rare Cask Collection 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.
Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 2002 (Cask 427) – Nickolls & Perks Rare Cask Collection
Bruichladdich
£257
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 2002 (Cask 427) – Nickolls & Perks Rare Cask Collection | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bruichladdich | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 50.6% | 47.1% |
| Age | 23 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £256.5 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 2002 (Cask 427) – Nickolls & Perks Rare Cask Collection
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 2002 (Cask 427) – Nickolls & Perks Rare Cask Collection
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).
Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 2002 (Cask 427) – Nickolls & Perks Rare Cask Collection is better value at £257 vs £299.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 2002 (Cask 427) – Nickolls & Perks Rare Cask Collection
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£256.5 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.6%) — 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 £256.5)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bruichladdich?
Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 2002 (Cask 427) – Nickolls & Perks Rare Cask Collection 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 Bruichladdich 23 Year Old 2002 (Cask 427) – Nickolls & Perks Rare Cask Collection
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release