Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi) 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.

Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi)Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryThe GlenlivetSmooth Ambler
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV52.1%47.1%
Age29 yr12 yr
Price£270.41£299
Rating5.00/5

Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness75/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

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

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

Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi)

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).

Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi) is better value at £270 vs £299.

For beginners: Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£270.41 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (29 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (52.1%) — may need water
  • 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 widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£299 vs £270.41)

Who should buy Glenlivet?

Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi) 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.

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

VanillaOld Wood

Only Glenlivet 29 Year Old 1978 (cask 13503) (Adelphi)

HoneyCitricMalt Extract

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

ToastedChocolateDried Fruit

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