Compare
Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Comparing Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Horse Soldier Barrel Strength reveals a matchup between a blender-built, spice-driven bottling and an uncut, wheated heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Horse Soldier Barrel Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 70% corn, 20% wheat, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) | 111 proof (55.5% ABV) +12 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 ~$37 less | ~$78 – $85 |
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 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.
Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10
spice 7/5 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10
heat 6/7 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- 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.
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength: A barrel-strength wheater from the veteran-founded Horse Soldier brand. Brown sugar and toasted oak lead, baking spice and heat follow, and a splash of water pulls out darker fruit.
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 Horse Soldier Barrel Strength if you want a big, barrel-strength wheated bourbon with plenty of brown sugar and warmth with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, old-fashioned (Horse Soldier Barrel Strength).