Compare
Penelope Architect vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Put Penelope Architect next to Smooth Ambler Old Scout and you have a sourced, corn-forward blend set against a blender-built, high-rye bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Architect | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 104 proof (52% ABV) +5 proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$60 – $70 | ~$40 – $50 ~$20 less |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Penelope Architect
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Architect Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/5 sweetness: Penelope Architect 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Penelope Architect 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
heat 6/6 heat: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Penelope Architect 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- Penelope Architect: Penelope's four-grain blend finished with French oak staves chosen for their tannin. The French oak adds berry, cherry and warm spice to a vanilla-heavy base.
- 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 Penelope Architect if you want a four-grain bourbon with a French oak finish that adds berries and warm spice.
- 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 lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).