Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Old Family Reserve 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.
Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Old Family Reserve
Old Rip Van Winkle
★ 4.38
£375
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Old Family Reserve | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Old Rip Van Winkle | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | America | America |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| ABV | 47.8% | 47.1% |
| Age | 23 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £375 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.38/5 | 5.00/5 |
Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Old Family Reserve
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Old Family Reserve
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 4.38).
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is better value at £299 vs £375.
For beginners: Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Old Family Reserve is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Old Family Reserve
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£375 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (4.4 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 £375)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Pappy?
Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Old Family Reserve 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 Pappy Van Winkle's 23 Year Old Family Reserve
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release