North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor) 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.

North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
North Port
£395

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | North Port | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | Highland | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 58% | 47.1% |
| Age | 24 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £395 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
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).
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is better value at £299 vs £395.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£395 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 £395)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy North?
North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor) 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
Only North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release