Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release vs Nikka 70th Anniversary Selection

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

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel ReleaseNikka 70th Anniversary Selection
DistillerySmooth AmblerNikka
Region
CountryAmericaJapan
TypeBourbonBlended
ABV47.1%58%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£299£331.65
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Nikka 70th Anniversary Selection

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Nikka 70th Anniversary Selection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £332.

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 £331.65)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Nikka 70th Anniversary Selection

Pros

  • +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts

Cons

  • High ABV (58%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£331.65 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 Nikka?

Nikka 70th Anniversary Selection 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

VanillaToasted

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

Old WoodChocolateDried Fruit

Only Nikka 70th Anniversary Selection

Malt ExtractHoney

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