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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Praedictum 15 Year
Comparing Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Praedictum 15 Year reveals a matchup between a blender-built, spice-driven bottling and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Praedictum 15 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 5 years | 15 years +10 yr |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) | 112 proof (56% ABV) +13 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 ~$430 less | ~$400 – $550 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Praedictum 15 Year does not publish an official mash bill.
- 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.
Praedictum 15 Year
Not my favorite, but I can see why people like it.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Praedictum 15 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Praedictum 15 Year 7 out of 10
spice 7/5 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Praedictum 15 Year 5 out of 10
fruit 5/7 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Praedictum 15 Year 7 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Praedictum 15 Year 7 out of 10
heat 6/7 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Praedictum 15 Year 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Praedictum 15 Year 4 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.
- Praedictum 15 Year: A 15-year, barrel-proof Kentucky bourbon from the Foley family's spirits group, picked and blended by their master distiller. Cherry, maple and spice, finishing on root beer and mint.
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 Praedictum 15 Year if you want a 15-year, barrel-proof Kentucky bourbon with cherry, maple and mint with an older age statement.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat (Praedictum 15 Year).