Compare
Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Penelope Architect
Put Smooth Ambler Old Scout next to Penelope Architect and you have a sourced, high-rye blend set against a blender-built, corn-forward bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Penelope Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) | 104 proof (52% ABV) +5 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$40 – $50 ~$20 less | ~$60 – $70 |
- 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.
Penelope Architect
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Penelope Architect
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Penelope Architect 7 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 5 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
heat 6/6 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Penelope Architect 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.
- Penelope Architect: Penelope's four-grain blend finished with French oak staves chosen for their tannin. The French oak adds berry, cherry and warm spice to a vanilla-heavy base.
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 lower price point.
- Go with Penelope Architect if you want a four-grain bourbon with a French oak finish that adds berries and warm spice.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect).