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Jim Beam Black vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Comparing Jim Beam Black and Smooth Ambler Old Scout is a closer contest than it looks — both are high-rye bourbons, separated mainly by proof (86 vs. 99).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years +2 yr | 5 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +13 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$20 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- Jim Beam Black 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
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/7 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
heat 3/6 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
nuttiness 6/3 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
fruit 3/5 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
- 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 Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going with an older age statement.
- 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 with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).