Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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.

Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Laphroaig
£250

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Laphroaig | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 58.3% | 47.1% |
| Age | 11 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
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).
Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
Cons
- −High ABV (58.3%) — 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)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) 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 Laphroaig 11 Year Old 2013 (cask 29.298) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release