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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Comparing Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof reveals a matchup between a blender-built, spice-driven bottling and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +31 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 ~$93 less | ~$75 – $200 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 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.
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 6/9 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10
nuttiness 3/6 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
spice 7/5 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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.
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof: E.H. Taylor straight from the barrel. Very hot and nutty, with toasted pecan, dark sugar and heavy oak; the proof changes with each batch.
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 significantly lower price point.
- Go with Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof).