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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Penelope Toasted Series
On paper Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Penelope Toasted Series are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$40 – $50 vs. ~$55 – $70) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Penelope Toasted Series |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$40 – $50 ~$18 less | ~$55 – $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 Toasted Series
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Penelope Toasted Series
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10
spice 7/5 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 7 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 4 out of 10
heat 6/5 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Penelope Toasted Series 3 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.
- Penelope Toasted Series: Finished in a second, freshly toasted barrel, which pushes it toward toffee, roasted coffee and darker oak. The toast level changes from batch to batch.
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 Toasted Series if you want a toasty, coffee-and-toffee bourbon from a second-barrel finish with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Toasted Series).