Imperial 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing) 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 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)
Imperial
£399
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Imperial 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing) | 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 | 50.1% | 47.1% |
| Age | 30 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £398.95 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Imperial 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Imperial 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)
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).
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is better value at £299 vs £399.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Imperial 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£398.95 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 £398.95)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Imperial?
Imperial 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing) 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 30 Year Old 1989 - Old & Rare (Hunter Laing)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release