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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Comparing Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B reveals a matchup between a blender-built, spice-driven bottling and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | 5 years | 12 years +7 yr |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +9 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 ~$490 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 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.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/3 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
sweetness 5/8 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
heat 6/3 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- 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.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
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 Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line with an older age statement.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).