Dalmore 2005 / Bot.2023 / The Vintages Collection Highland Whisky vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

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

Dalmore 2005 / Bot.2023 / The Vintages Collection Highland WhiskySmooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryDalmoreSmooth Ambler
Region
CountryUnited KingdomAmerica
TypeBourbon
ABV40%47.1%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£315£299
Rating5.00/5

Dalmore 2005 / Bot.2023 / The Vintages Collection Highland Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

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

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

Dalmore 2005 / Bot.2023 / The Vintages Collection Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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

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 £315.

For beginners: Dalmore 2005 / Bot.2023 / The Vintages Collection Highland Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Dalmore 2005 / Bot.2023 / The Vintages Collection Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£315 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £315)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Dalmore?

Dalmore 2005 / Bot.2023 / The Vintages Collection Highland Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Chocolate

Only Dalmore 2005 / Bot.2023 / The Vintages Collection Highland Whisky

CitricHoneyCooked FruitTobacco

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

VanillaOld WoodToastedDried Fruit

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