Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release vs Imperial 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)
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
Imperial 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)
Imperial
£399
| Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | Imperial 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Smooth Ambler | Imperial |
| Region | — | Speyside |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.1% | 50.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £299 | £398.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Imperial 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Imperial 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)
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).
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 £398.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Imperial 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£398.95 vs £299)
- −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 Imperial?
Imperial 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing) 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 Imperial 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)