Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release vs Strathisla 15 Year Old 1988 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers)
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
Strathisla 15 Year Old 1988 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers)
Strathisla
£299
| Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release | Strathisla 15 Year Old 1988 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Smooth Ambler | Strathisla |
| Region | — | — |
| Country | America | Scotland |
| Type | Bourbon | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.1% | 55.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £299 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Strathisla 15 Year Old 1988 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers)
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release
Strathisla 15 Year Old 1988 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers)
Quick verdict
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Strathisla 15 Year Old 1988 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers) is better value at £299 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
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Strathisla 15 Year Old 1988 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.1%) — 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 Strathisla?
Strathisla 15 Year Old 1988 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers) 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 Strathisla 15 Year Old 1988 - Cask Strength Edition (Chivas Brothers)