Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) 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.
Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Mortlach
£240
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Mortlach | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Speyside | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 56.9% | 47.1% |
| Age | 19 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £240 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
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).
Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) is better value at £240 vs £299.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Pros
- +More affordable (£240 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.9%) — 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£299 vs £240)
Who should buy Mortlach?
Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati) 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 Mortlach 19 Year Old 1998 (cask 3657) - Candlelight Series (Whisky Illuminati)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release