Scarabus 30 Year Old 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.

Scarabus 30 Year Old
Hunter Laing
£232

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
| Scarabus 30 Year Old | Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hunter Laing | Smooth Ambler |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 43.6% | 47.1% |
| Age | 30 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £231.5 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Scarabus 30 Year Old
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Scarabus 30 Year Old
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).
Scarabus 30 Year Old is better value at £232 vs £299.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Scarabus 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£231.5 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 £231.5)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Scarabus?
Scarabus 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
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 Scarabus 30 Year Old
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release