Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022 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.

Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022
Lagavulin
£399

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022 | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 55.4% | 47.1% |
| Age | 14 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022
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).
Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (14 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£399 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 £399)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022 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 Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Where to buy
Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange