Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Light 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.
Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Light
Highland Park
★ 5.00
£299
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Light | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Highland Park | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Island | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 52.9% | 47.1% |
| Age | 17 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £299 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Light
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Light
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 better value at £299 vs £299.
For beginners: Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Light is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Light
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52.9%) — may need water
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Highland?
Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Light suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
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 Highland Park 17 Year Old - The Light
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release