Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release vs Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel ReleaseTomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1
DistillerySmooth AmblerTomatin
RegionHighland
CountryAmericaScotland
TypeBourbonSingle Malt
ABV47.1%46%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£299£350
Rating5.00/54.00/5

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

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

Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner75/100
Value11/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Smooth Ambler Old Scout 12 Year Old Bourbon (cask 9484) Single Barrel Release is better value at £299 vs £350.

For beginners: Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1 is more approachable (75/100 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 £350)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£350 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 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 Tomatin?

Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

VanillaOld WoodDried Fruit

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

ToastedChocolate

Only Tomatin 25 Year Old 1988 - Batch 1

SherriedTobacco

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