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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Comparing Old Forester 86 Proof 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 | Old Forester 86 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 | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +13 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$20 – $26 ~$22 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/6 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
oak 4/6 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Old Forester 86 Proof: The entry bottling and the cheapest way to meet the Old Forester banana-and-caramel signature. Thin at 86 proof, but it costs very little and mixes well.
- 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 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
- 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 cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).