Benrinnes 26 Year Old 1997 (cask 9749) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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.
Benrinnes 26 Year Old 1997 (cask 9749) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Benrinnes
£280
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Benrinnes 26 Year Old 1997 (cask 9749) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benrinnes | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 53.7% | 47.1% |
| Age | 26 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £279.95 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Benrinnes 26 Year Old 1997 (cask 9749) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Benrinnes 26 Year Old 1997 (cask 9749) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
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).
Benrinnes 26 Year Old 1997 (cask 9749) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £280 vs £299.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Benrinnes 26 Year Old 1997 (cask 9749) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +More affordable (£279.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.7%) — 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 £279.95)
Who should buy Benrinnes?
Benrinnes 26 Year Old 1997 (cask 9749) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 Benrinnes 26 Year Old 1997 (cask 9749) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release