Compare
Michter's US*1 Small Batch vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Comparing Michter's US*1 Small Batch and Smooth Ambler Old Scout reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a blender-built, spice-driven bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Michter's US*1 Small Batch | 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 | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +8 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$40 – $50 ~$5 less |
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch 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
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Michter's US*1 Small Batch Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/7 spice: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
heat 3/6 heat: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
sweetness 7/5 sweetness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
- 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 Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- 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 slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).