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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Wild Turkey 101
Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Wild Turkey 101 are cut from similar cloth: two takes on high-rye bourbons, where the real difference is price (~$40 – $50 vs. ~$25 – $30).
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Wild Turkey 101 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +2 proof |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$25 – $30 ~$18 less |
- 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.
Wild Turkey 101
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Wild Turkey 101
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 6 out of 10
spice 7/8 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 8 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 7 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 4 out of 10
heat 6/6 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 101 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- 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.
- Wild Turkey 101: The workhorse high-rye Kentucky bourbon and one of the best proof-to-price ratios anywhere. Vanilla and orange up front, then a genuinely spicy, peppery, tobacco-tinged middle that punches well above $25.
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.
- Go with Wild Turkey 101 if you want bold rye spice and real proof at the lowest price of anything comparable.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Wild Turkey 101).