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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Wild Turkey 81
Put Smooth Ambler Old Scout next to Wild Turkey 81 and you have a blender-built, high-rye bottling set against a classic, corn-forward stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Wild Turkey 81 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 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) +18 proof | 81 proof (40.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$20 – $25 ~$23 less |
- Wild Turkey 81 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.
Wild Turkey 81
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Wild Turkey 81
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 6/2 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
spice 7/4 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
oak 6/4 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 4 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 3 out of 10
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/2 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Wild Turkey 81 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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 81: The same mash bill and No. 4 char as Wild Turkey 101, cut to 81 proof. Honey and toffee come through clearly, but the body and spice are much lighter.
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 more proof behind it.
- Go with Wild Turkey 81 if you want a lighter Wild Turkey built for mixing at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); highball, cocktails (Wild Turkey 81).