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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Old Forester 100 Proof
On paper Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Old Forester 100 Proof are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$40 – $50 vs. ~$26 – $32) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Old Forester 100 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$26 – $32 ~$16 less |
- 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 Forester 100 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Old Forester 100 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 7 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
heat 6/5 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Old Forester 100 Proof 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.
- Old Forester 100 Proof: The bottle most people should buy from this range: the same recipe as the 86 with enough proof to actually taste it. One of the strongest arguments on the shelf for spending six dollars more.
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 Old Forester 100 Proof if you want the best value in the Old Forester range and a superb old-fashioned base.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Forester 100 Proof).