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Barrell Foundation Bourbon vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Barrell Foundation Bourbon and Smooth Ambler Old Scout are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$50 – $60 vs. ~$40 – $50).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Barrell Foundation Bourbon | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | 5 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $60 | ~$40 – $50 ~$10 less |
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Barrell Foundation Bourbon Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
heat 5/6 heat: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 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.
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon: Barrell's everyday bottle: a multi-state blend proofed down to 100 instead of bottled at cask strength. Creamy cake and vanilla up front, then a dry, rye-driven peppery finish.
- 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 Barrell Foundation Bourbon if you want an approachable, 100-proof Barrell blend that still shows off multi-state blending with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- 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 slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).