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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
On paper Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (99 vs. 110) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) | 110 proof (55% ABV) +11 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$40 – $50 ~$18 less | ~$55 – $70 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- 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 Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/8 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 6 out of 10
spice 7/8 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 8 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 4 out of 10
heat 6/7 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel 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 Single Barrel: Non-chill-filtered single barrels at 110 proof, and the format that store picks have made a cult of. Concentrated Wild Turkey character with a texture the standard bottlings do not have.
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 Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel if you want concentrated Wild Turkey character with single-barrel variation and real texture with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, old-fashioned (Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel).