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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Put Smooth Ambler Old Scout next to Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon and you have a sourced, high-rye blend set against a blender-built, corn-forward bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 ~$48 less | ~$85 – $100 |
- Joseph Magnus Straight 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.
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/8 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
fruit 5/8 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
spice 7/5 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/5 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
heat 6/5 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- 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.
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon: Finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Cognac casks. The casks layer dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate over the bourbon and leave a long, clove-spiced 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 significantly lower price point.
- Go with Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon).