Compare
Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Comparing Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Michter's US*1 Small Batch reveals a matchup between a sourced, spice-driven blend and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Michter's US*1 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +8 proof | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 ~$5 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch 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.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/4 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
heat 6/3 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 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.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
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 Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch).