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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Comparing Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond reveals a matchup between a blender-built, spice-driven bottling and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | 9 years +4 yr |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$40 – $50 ~$100 less | ~$110 – $180 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- 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.
Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/2 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 2 out of 10
sweetness 5/8 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 8 out of 10
heat 6/4 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 7 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- 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.
- Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond: The decanter series, released twice a year at varying ages, and Heaven Hill's most serious wheated statement. Age shows as polished oak and stewed fruit rather than tannin, but you pay handsomely for the bottle.
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 Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond if you want an aged, bonded wheater in a presentation bottle and the price is not the obstacle.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat (Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond).