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Baker’s 7 Year vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
On paper Baker’s 7 Year and Smooth Ambler Old Scout are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$55 – $70 vs. ~$40 – $50) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Baker’s 7 Year | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years +2 yr | 5 years |
| Proof | 107 proof (53.5% ABV) +8 proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $70 | ~$40 – $50 ~$18 less |
- Baker’s 7 Year 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
Baker’s 7 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Baker’s 7 Year Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 7/3 nuttiness: Baker’s 7 Year 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Baker’s 7 Year 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Baker’s 7 Year 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Baker’s 7 Year 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Baker’s 7 Year 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
heat 6/6 heat: Baker’s 7 Year 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- Baker’s 7 Year: The gentlest of the Beam small-batch collection despite its 107 proof, thanks to an unusually creamy texture. The peanut note is present but softened, sitting under vanilla and light fruit.
- 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 Baker’s 7 Year if you want the Beam character in its smoothest, creamiest form at a real proof point with an older age statement.
- 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 at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Baker’s 7 Year); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).