Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release vs SMWS 19.38 19 Year Old 1985
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 19.38 19 Year Old 1985
Glen Garioch
£295
| Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | SMWS 19.38 19 Year Old 1985 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Smooth Ambler | Glen Garioch |
| Region | — | Highland |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.1% | 52.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 19 yr |
| Price | £299 | £295 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
SMWS 19.38 19 Year Old 1985
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
SMWS 19.38 19 Year Old 1985
Quick verdict
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
SMWS 19.38 19 Year Old 1985 is better value at £295 vs £299.
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 widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£299 vs £295)
SMWS 19.38 19 Year Old 1985
Pros
- +More affordable (£295 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (52.9%) — may need water
- −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 19.38 19 Year Old 1985 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 19.38 19 Year Old 1985