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Old Forester Statesman vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
On paper Old Forester Statesman and Smooth Ambler Old Scout are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (95 vs. 99) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester Statesman | 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 | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$50 – $55 | ~$40 – $50 ~$8 less |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Old Forester Statesman
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester Statesman Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 8/5 sweetness: Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
fruit 7/5 fruit: Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
heat 4/6 heat: Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- Old Forester Statesman: Old Forester's fruit-forward middle child, first made for a spy movie tie-in. Bright cherry and brown sugar lead, with cocoa and a touch of the house banana note.
- 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 Statesman if you want a bright, cherry-sweet Old Forester that sits between the 100 and 1920 in weight.
- 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, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).