Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release vs Chichibu The Peated 2012 (bottled 2016)

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

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel ReleaseChichibu The Peated 2012 (bottled 2016)
DistillerySmooth AmblerChichibu
Region
CountryAmericaJapan
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV47.1%54.5%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£299£299
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Chichibu The Peated 2012 (bottled 2016)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Chichibu The Peated 2012 (bottled 2016)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Chichibu The Peated 2012 (bottled 2016) is better value at £299 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

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Chichibu The Peated 2012 (bottled 2016)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.5%) — 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 Chichibu?

Chichibu The Peated 2012 (bottled 2016) 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

Old WoodToastedDried Fruit

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

VanillaChocolate

Only Chichibu The Peated 2012 (bottled 2016)

SmokeyLeathery

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