Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release vs Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask

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

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel ReleaseKavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask
DistillerySmooth AmblerKavalan
Region
CountryAmericaTaiwan
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV47.1%58.6%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£299£349.95
Rating5.00/54.00/5

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

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

Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner50/100
Value11/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is better value at £299 vs £350.

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 £349.95)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (58.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£349.95 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 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 Kavalan?

Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry 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

Vanilla

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

Old WoodToastedChocolateDried Fruit

Only Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask

SherriedFresh FruitHoney

Explore more