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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Old Forester Statesman
On paper Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Old Forester Statesman are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (99 vs. 95) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Old Forester Statesman |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +4 proof | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$40 – $50 ~$8 less | ~$50 – $55 |
- 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 Statesman
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Old Forester Statesman
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/8 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10
spice 7/5 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10
fruit 5/7 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10
heat 6/4 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- 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 Statesman: Old Forester's fruit-forward middle child, first made for a spy movie tie-in. Bright cherry and brown sugar lead, with cocoa and a touch of the house banana note.
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 Old Forester Statesman if you want a bright, cherry-sweet Old Forester that sits between the 100 and 1920 in weight.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman).