Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland 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.
Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Imperial
£225
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Imperial | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 54% | 47.1% |
| Age | 25 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £224.95 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland
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 rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland is better value at £225 vs £299.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£224.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54%) — 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 £224.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Imperial?
Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland 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 Imperial 25 Year Old 1995 (cask 7861) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release