Compare
Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon
Comparing Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon reveals a matchup between a sourced, spice-driven blend and a modern, wheated craft expression.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 70% corn, 5% rye, 25% wheat |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +9 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$40 – $50 ~$5 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- 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.
Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon
Didn't care for this one.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/4 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 4 out of 10
heat 6/5 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon 2 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.
- Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon: An organic, wheat-heavy bourbon from a Michigan craft distillery. It stays round and caramel sweet on the palate with a peppery edge, while the nose is quiet and still a little young.
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 Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon if you want an organic, Midwest craft wheater with a round, caramel-forward body.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Journeyman Featherbone Bourbon).