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Old Grand-Dad 114 vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
On paper Old Grand-Dad 114 and Smooth Ambler Old Scout are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (114 vs. 99) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Grand-Dad 114 | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 114 proof (57% ABV) +15 proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$14 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- Old Grand-Dad 114 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
Old Grand-Dad 114
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Grand-Dad 114 Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 9/7 spice: Old Grand-Dad 114 9 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
heat 8/6 heat: Old Grand-Dad 114 8 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
nuttiness 5/3 nuttiness: Old Grand-Dad 114 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Old Grand-Dad 114 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Old Grand-Dad 114 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Old Grand-Dad 114 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- Old Grand-Dad 114: The best proof-per-dollar in American whiskey and it is not especially close. The 27% rye mash at 114 proof is loud, peppery and completely unsubtle, which is exactly why it makes such a good old-fashioned.
- 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 Grand-Dad 114 if you want maximum rye spice and proof for under thirty dollars.
- 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, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Grand-Dad 114); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).