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Old Forester 100 Proof vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
On paper Old Forester 100 Proof and Smooth Ambler Old Scout are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$26 – $32 vs. ~$40 – $50) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 100 Proof | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$26 – $32 ~$16 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Old Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 100 Proof Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/5 sweetness: Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
heat 5/6 heat: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 100 Proof 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- Old Forester 100 Proof: The bottle most people should buy from this range: the same recipe as the 86 with enough proof to actually taste it. One of the strongest arguments on the shelf for spending six dollars more.
- 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 Forester 100 Proof if you want the best value in the Old Forester range and a superb old-fashioned base.
- 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, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).