Old Orkney 25 Year Old 1999 (Decadent Drinks) 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.
Old Orkney 25 Year Old 1999 (Decadent Drinks)
Orkney Distilling
£320
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Old Orkney 25 Year Old 1999 (Decadent Drinks) | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Orkney Distilling | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 50.3% | 47.1% |
| Age | 25 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £319.5 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Old Orkney 25 Year Old 1999 (Decadent Drinks)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Old Orkney 25 Year Old 1999 (Decadent Drinks)
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 £320.
For beginners: Old Orkney 25 Year Old 1999 (Decadent Drinks) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Old Orkney 25 Year Old 1999 (Decadent Drinks)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£319.5 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 £319.5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Old?
Old Orkney 25 Year Old 1999 (Decadent Drinks) 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 Old Orkney 25 Year Old 1999 (Decadent Drinks)
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release