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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs 1792 Small Batch
Smooth Ambler Old Scout and 1792 Small Batch are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$40 – $50 vs. ~$26 – $34).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | 1792 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +5 proof | 93.7 proof (46.9% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$26 – $34 ~$15 less |
- 1792 Small Batch 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
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
1792 Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout 1792 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10
heat 6/5 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 4 out of 10
spice 7/7 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 7 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- 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.
- 1792 Small Batch: Barton's flagship and one of the most under-discussed bottles at its price. A high-rye character with cocoa and orange peel, and considerably more going on than the shelf position suggests.
Which One Should You Choose?
- 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.
- Go with 1792 Small Batch if you want an overlooked, spice-forward Kentucky bourbon that punches above its price.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (1792 Small Batch).