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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Maker’s Mark 46
Comparing Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Maker’s Mark 46 reveals a matchup between a sourced, spice-driven blend and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Maker’s Mark 46 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +5 proof | 94 proof (47% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$38 – $45 |
- 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.
Maker’s Mark 46
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Maker’s Mark 46
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/8 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 8 out of 10
spice 7/4 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
heat 6/4 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 7 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 3 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.
- Maker’s Mark 46: Finished with seared French oak staves inside the barrel, which adds the spice and wood that the standard bottling deliberately lacks. The most useful upgrade in the Maker's range.
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.
- Go with Maker’s Mark 46 if you want the softness of Maker's Mark with real oak and spice layered over it.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Maker’s Mark 46).