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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Comparing Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve reveals a matchup between a sourced, spice-driven blend and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | 9 years +4 yr |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) | 120 proof (60% ABV) +21 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 ~$5 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 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.
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 3/7 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 3 out of 10
heat 6/8 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 6 out of 10
spice 7/7 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Nutty, grain-driven character is the divider.
- 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.
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve: The same nine-year Knob Creek juice bottled from a single barrel at 120 proof, and the extra strength suits it. Everything the standard bottling does, turned up — with the barrel-to-barrel variation that comes with the format.
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 Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve if you want the Beam profile at serious proof for well under what most barrel-strength bourbons cost with an older age statement.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, old-fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve).