Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release vs SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Smooth Ambler
★ 5.00
£299
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Glengoyne
£495
| Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Smooth Ambler | Glengoyne |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.1% | 55.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £299 | £495 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
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 £495.
For beginners: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
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 £495)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996
Pros
- +Distinctive flavour profile appreciated by enthusiasts
Cons
- −High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£495 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy SMWS?
SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Only SMWS 123.1 8 Year Old 1996