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George T. Stagg vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
George T. Stagg and Smooth Ambler Old Scout sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an undiluted barrel-strength pour versus a sourced, rye-forward blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | George T. Stagg | 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 | 142.8 proof (71.4% ABV) +44 proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$150 – $800 | ~$40 – $50 ~$430 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- George T. Stagg 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
George T. Stagg
Very complex, with the taste profile moving across the entire palate.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
George T. Stagg Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 10/6 heat: George T. Stagg 10 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
oak 9/6 oak: George T. Stagg 9 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/5 sweetness: George T. Stagg 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: George T. Stagg 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: George T. Stagg 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- George T. Stagg: The Buffalo Trace Antique Collection's barrel-proof bourbon, around 15 years old. Root beer, dark caramel and charred oak at an enormous proof that changes each year.
- 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 George T. Stagg if you want the oldest, hottest, most concentrated Buffalo Trace bourbon you can find with significantly more proof behind it.
- 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 (George T. Stagg); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).