Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Jubilee Edition 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 18 Year Old - Jubilee Edition
Laphroaig
★ 4.00
£399
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Jubilee Edition | 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 | 48% | 47.1% |
| Age | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Jubilee Edition
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Jubilee Edition
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 4.00).
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).
Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Jubilee Edition
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 affordable (£299 vs £399)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Jubilee Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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 Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Jubilee Edition
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release