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1792 Small Batch vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
1792 Small Batch and Smooth Ambler Old Scout are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$26 – $34 vs. ~$40 – $50).
Key Specifications
| Feature | 1792 Small Batch | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 93.7 proof (46.9% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +5 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $34 ~$15 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- 1792 Small Batch does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
1792 Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
1792 Small Batch Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
heat 5/6 heat: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: 1792 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
spice 7/7 spice: 1792 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- 1792 Small Batch: Barton's flagship and one of the most under-discussed bottles at its price. A high-rye character with cocoa and orange peel, and considerably more going on than the shelf position suggests.
- Smooth Ambler Old Scout: Sourced MGP bourbon selected and bottled in West Virginia, and one of the more honest sourced brands about exactly what it is. The characteristic MGP dill-and-pepper signature, cleanly presented.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with 1792 Small Batch if you want an overlooked, spice-forward Kentucky bourbon that punches above its price.
- Go with Smooth Ambler Old Scout if you want the classic MGP high-rye profile from a bottler that has always been upfront about sourcing.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (1792 Small Batch); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).