Johnnie Walker Black Label / Extra Special / Bot.1970s Blended 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.

Johnnie Walker Black Label / Extra Special / Bot.1970s Blended Whisky
Johnnie Walker
£225

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Johnnie Walker Black Label / Extra Special / Bot.1970s Blended Whisky | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Johnnie Walker | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | United Kingdom | America |
| Type | Bourbon | |
| ABV | 40% | 47.1% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £225 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Johnnie Walker Black Label / Extra Special / Bot.1970s Blended Whisky
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Johnnie Walker Black Label / Extra Special / Bot.1970s Blended Whisky
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).
Johnnie Walker Black Label / Extra Special / Bot.1970s Blended Whisky is better value at £225 vs £299.
For beginners: Johnnie Walker Black Label / Extra Special / Bot.1970s Blended Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Johnnie Walker Black Label / Extra Special / Bot.1970s Blended Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£225 vs £299)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 £225)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Johnnie?
Johnnie Walker Black Label / Extra Special / Bot.1970s Blended Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
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 Johnnie Walker Black Label / Extra Special / Bot.1970s Blended Whisky
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release