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Russell’s Reserve 10 Year vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
On paper Russell’s Reserve 10 Year and Smooth Ambler Old Scout are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so age (10 years vs. 5 years) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 10 Year | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | 10 years +5 yr | 5 years |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +9 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$40 – $50 |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 8/6 oak: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 8 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
heat 4/6 heat: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
spice 6/7 spice: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year: Ten years of Wild Turkey at a restrained 90 proof, which trades the 101's punch for polish. More oak and more composure, and one of the better age-stated bottles at its price.
- 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 Russell’s Reserve 10 Year if you want an age-stated, oak-forward Wild Turkey with the volume turned down.
- 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 slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Russell’s Reserve 10 Year); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).