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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Comparing Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Smooth Ambler Old Scout reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a sourced, spice-driven blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +31 proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$40 – $50 ~$93 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 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
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/6 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof: E.H. Taylor straight from the barrel. Very hot and nutty, with toasted pecan, dark sugar and heavy oak; the proof changes with each batch.
- 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 Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon 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 significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).