Royal Salute 21 Year Old LXX 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.

Royal Salute 21 Year Old LXXSmooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistilleryRoyal SaluteSmooth Ambler
Region
CountryScotlandAmerica
TypeBlendedBourbon
ABV40%47.1%
Age21 yr12 yr
Price£299£299
Rating5.00/5

Royal Salute 21 Year Old LXX

Smoke0/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner55/100
Value17/100

Royal Salute 21 Year Old LXX

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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 £299.

For beginners: Royal Salute 21 Year Old LXX is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Royal Salute 21 Year Old LXX

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (21 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Royal?

Royal Salute 21 Year Old LXX is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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

Old WoodDried Fruit

Only Royal Salute 21 Year Old LXX

SherriedHoneyTobacco

Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release

VanillaToastedChocolate

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