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Penelope Toasted Series vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
On paper Penelope Toasted Series and Smooth Ambler Old Scout are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$55 – $70 vs. ~$40 – $50) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Toasted Series | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% 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 | ~$55 – $70 | ~$40 – $50 ~$18 less |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Penelope Toasted Series
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Toasted Series Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 7/5 sweetness: Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
oak 7/6 oak: Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Penelope Toasted Series 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
heat 5/6 heat: Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Penelope Toasted Series 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- Penelope Toasted Series: Finished in a second, freshly toasted barrel, which pushes it toward toffee, roasted coffee and darker oak. The toast level changes from batch to batch.
- 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 Toasted Series if you want a toasty, coffee-and-toffee bourbon from a second-barrel finish with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- 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 Toasted Series); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).