Littlemill 27 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (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.

Littlemill 27 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryLittlemillSmooth Ambler
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeSingle MaltBourbon
ABV54.6%47.1%
Age27 yr12 yr
Price£380£299
Rating5.00/5

Littlemill 27 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness72/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner55/100
Value17/100

Littlemill 27 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £380.

For beginners: Littlemill 27 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Littlemill 27 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (27 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (54.6%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£380 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 £380)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Littlemill?

Littlemill 27 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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

VanillaOld Wood

Only Littlemill 27 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)

HoneyFresh Fruit

Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

ToastedChocolateDried Fruit

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