Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask 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.
Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask
Caol Ila
£399
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 46% | 47.1% |
| Age | 21 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask
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 £399.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 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 £399)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask 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 Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1981 (cask 279) - First Cask
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release