Bunnahabhain 34 Year Old 1980 (cask 84) - Whisky is Art (Silver Seal) 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.
Bunnahabhain 34 Year Old 1980 (cask 84) - Whisky is Art (Silver Seal)
Bunnahabhain
£491
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Bunnahabhain 34 Year Old 1980 (cask 84) - Whisky is Art (Silver Seal) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bunnahabhain | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 46.6% | 47.1% |
| Age | 34 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £490.86 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bunnahabhain 34 Year Old 1980 (cask 84) - Whisky is Art (Silver Seal)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Bunnahabhain 34 Year Old 1980 (cask 84) - Whisky is Art (Silver Seal)
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 £491.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Bunnahabhain 34 Year Old 1980 (cask 84) - Whisky is Art (Silver Seal)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (34 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£490.86 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 £490.86)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Bunnahabhain?
Bunnahabhain 34 Year Old 1980 (cask 84) - Whisky is Art (Silver Seal) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
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 Bunnahabhain 34 Year Old 1980 (cask 84) - Whisky is Art (Silver Seal)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release