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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Barrell Foundation Bourbon are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$40 – $50 vs. ~$50 – $60).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Barrell Foundation Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | 5 years |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 ~$10 less | ~$50 – $60 |
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon 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.
Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
heat 6/5 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 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.
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon: Barrell's everyday bottle: a multi-state blend proofed down to 100 instead of bottled at cask strength. Creamy cake and vanilla up front, then a dry, rye-driven peppery finish.
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 at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Barrell Foundation Bourbon if you want an approachable, 100-proof Barrell blend that still shows off multi-state blending with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon).