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E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Put E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel next to Smooth Ambler Old Scout and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a sourced, high-rye blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | 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 | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $140 | ~$40 – $50 ~$60 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 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
E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/7 spice: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
oak 8/6 oak: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 8 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
heat 5/6 heat: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel: Single barrels from the warehouse Colonel Taylor built, bonded at 100 proof. More oak and more concentration than the small batch, and one of the most sought-after regular releases Buffalo Trace makes.
- 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 E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel if you want the most concentrated bonded expression of the Buffalo Trace profile, and the hunt does not deter you.
- 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 (E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).