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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Stagg
Put Smooth Ambler Old Scout next to Stagg and you have a sourced, high-rye blend set against a full-proof, unfiltered heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Stagg |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) | 130 proof (65% ABV) +31 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 ~$50 less | ~$70 – $120 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Stagg 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.
Stagg
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Stagg
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 6/10 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Stagg 10 out of 10
oak 6/9 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Stagg 9 out of 10
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Stagg 7 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Stagg 4 out of 10
spice 7/7 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Stagg 7 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Stagg 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Stagg: Uncut and unfiltered Buffalo Trace at a proof that demands respect. Dark chocolate, espresso and charred oak arrive with genuine heat, and a few drops of water unlock a surprising amount of fruit.
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 Stagg if you want the biggest, hottest, most concentrated expression of the Buffalo Trace profile with significantly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat (Stagg).