Longrow 14 Year Old 1997 - Burgundy Wood 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.

Longrow 14 Year Old 1997 - Burgundy Wood
Springbank
★ 4.00
£450

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Longrow 14 Year Old 1997 - Burgundy Wood | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Campbeltown | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 56.1% | 47.1% |
| Age | 14 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £450 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Longrow 14 Year Old 1997 - Burgundy Wood
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Longrow 14 Year Old 1997 - Burgundy Wood
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 £450.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Longrow 14 Year Old 1997 - Burgundy Wood
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (14 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£450 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 £450)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Longrow?
Longrow 14 Year Old 1997 - Burgundy Wood 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 Longrow 14 Year Old 1997 - Burgundy Wood
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release