Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55008 - Shogun 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.

Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55008 - ShogunSmooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
DistillerySanmi-IttaiSmooth Ambler
Region
CountryJapanAmerica
TypeBlended MaltBourbon
ABV57%47.1%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/5

Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55008 - Shogun

Smoke0/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

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

Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55008 - Shogun

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).

Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55008 - Shogun is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55008 - Shogun

Pros

  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (57%) — 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 £250)

Who should buy Sanmi-Ittai?

Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55008 - Shogun 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

Dried FruitChocolateOld WoodToasted

Only Sanmi-Ittai Single Cask #55008 - Shogun

Sherried

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

Vanilla

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