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Johnny Drum Private Stock vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Put Johnny Drum Private Stock next to Smooth Ambler Old Scout and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a blender-built, high-rye bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Johnny Drum Private Stock | 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 | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +2 proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$35 – $45 ~$5 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- Johnny Drum Private Stock 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
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Johnny Drum Private Stock Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
heat 5/6 heat: Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
- 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 Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character at a slightly lower price point.
- 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.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).