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Jefferson's Reserve Very Old vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Put Jefferson's Reserve Very Old next to Smooth Ambler Old Scout and you have a sourced, corn-forward blend set against a blender-built, high-rye bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +9 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$55 – $65 | ~$40 – $50 ~$15 less |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 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
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/7 spice: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
heat 4/6 heat: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old: The older, drier sibling of Jefferson's Very Small Batch. Buttery toffee and dried fruit sit on a firm, slightly smoky oak backbone, and the finish turns peppery and long.
- 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 Jefferson's Reserve Very Old if you want a mature, oak-driven blend with dried fruit and a dry, peppery finish at an easy proof.
- 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 (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).