Compare
Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Put Smooth Ambler Old Scout next to Jefferson's Reserve Very Old and you have a sourced, high-rye blend set against a blender-built, corn-forward bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Jefferson's Reserve Very Old |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional 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) +9 proof | 90.2 proof (45.1% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 ~$15 less | ~$55 – $65 |
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 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.
Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Jefferson's Reserve Very Old
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/5 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 5 out of 10
heat 6/4 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 4 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 7 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Jefferson's Reserve Very Old 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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.
- Jefferson's Reserve Very Old: The older, drier sibling of Jefferson's Very Small Batch. Buttery toffee and dried fruit sit on a firm, slightly smoky oak backbone, and the finish turns peppery and long.
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 lower price point.
- Go with Jefferson's Reserve Very Old if you want a mature, oak-driven blend with dried fruit and a dry, peppery finish at an easy proof.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, rocks (Jefferson's Reserve Very Old).