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Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
On paper Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel and Smooth Ambler Old Scout are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (110 vs. 99) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel | 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 | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 110 proof (55% ABV) +11 proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$55 – $70 | ~$40 – $50 ~$18 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 8/6 oak: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
spice 8/7 spice: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
heat 7/6 heat: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel: Non-chill-filtered single barrels at 110 proof, and the format that store picks have made a cult of. Concentrated Wild Turkey character with a texture the standard bottlings do not have.
- 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 Single Barrel if you want concentrated Wild Turkey character with single-barrel variation and real texture with more proof behind it.
- 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 (Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).