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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
On paper Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Russell’s Reserve 10 Year are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so age (5 years vs. 10 years) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Russell’s Reserve 10 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | 10 years +5 yr |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +9 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$40 – $50 |
- 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.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/8 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 8 out of 10
heat 6/4 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year: Ten years of Wild Turkey at a restrained 90 proof, which trades the 101's punch for polish. More oak and more composure, and one of the better age-stated bottles at its price.
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 with slightly more proof behind it.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 10 Year if you want an age-stated, oak-forward Wild Turkey with the volume turned down.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, rocks (Russell’s Reserve 10 Year).