Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release vs Glenrothes 26 Year Old 1997 (Cask 717982) - The Single Cask

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel ReleaseGlenrothes 26 Year Old 1997 (Cask 717982) - The Single Cask
DistillerySmooth AmblerGlenrothes
RegionSpeyside
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV47.1%55.9%
Age12 yr26 yr
Price£299£275.95
Rating5.00/5

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner55/100
Value17/100

Glenrothes 26 Year Old 1997 (Cask 717982) - The Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner50/100
Value0/100

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenrothes 26 Year Old 1997 (Cask 717982) - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Glenrothes 26 Year Old 1997 (Cask 717982) - The Single Cask is better value at £276 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 £275.95)

Glenrothes 26 Year Old 1997 (Cask 717982) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£275.95 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.9%) — 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 Glenrothes?

Glenrothes 26 Year Old 1997 (Cask 717982) - The Single Cask 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaOld WoodToasted

Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

ChocolateDried Fruit

Only Glenrothes 26 Year Old 1997 (Cask 717982) - The Single Cask

HoneySherried

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