Compare
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Comparing Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond and Smooth Ambler Old Scout reveals a matchup between a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple and a sourced, spice-driven blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | 9 years +4 yr | 5 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$110 – $180 | ~$40 – $50 ~$100 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 2/7 spice: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 2 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
sweetness 8/5 sweetness: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 8 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
heat 4/6 heat: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond: The decanter series, released twice a year at varying ages, and Heaven Hill's most serious wheated statement. Age shows as polished oak and stewed fruit rather than tannin, but you pay handsomely for the bottle.
- 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 Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond if you want an aged, bonded wheater in a presentation bottle and the price is not the obstacle.
- 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 (Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).