Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013) 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.
Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013)
Ichiro
★ 5.00
£398
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ichiro | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Japan | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 54.5% | 47.1% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £397.81 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Quick verdict
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is better value at £299 vs £398.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£397.81 vs £299)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£299 vs £397.81)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Ichiro's?
Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013) 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.
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
Only Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 2009 Port Pipe (bottled 2013)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release