Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release vs Chichibu On The Way (bottled 2019)

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

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel ReleaseChichibu On The Way (bottled 2019)
DistillerySmooth AmblerChichibu
Region
CountryAmericaJapan
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV47.1%51.5%
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 On The Way (bottled 2019)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Chichibu On The Way (bottled 2019)

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 On The Way (bottled 2019) 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

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Chichibu On The Way (bottled 2019)

Pros

  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (51.5%) — 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 On The Way (bottled 2019) 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

VanillaOld WoodToasted

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

ChocolateDried Fruit

Only Chichibu On The Way (bottled 2019)

HoneyMalt Extract

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