Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release vs Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Bladnoch
£262
| Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Smooth Ambler | Bladnoch |
| Region | — | Lowland |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.1% | 52.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £299 | £262.18 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £262 vs £299.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
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 £262.18)
Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +More affordable (£262.18 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52.3%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Bladnoch?
Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Only Bladnoch 28 Year Old 1990 (batch 19/014) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)