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Smooth Ambler Old Scout vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
On paper Smooth Ambler Old Scout and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (99 vs. 90.4) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Smooth Ambler Old Scout | Woodford Reserve Double Oaked |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +9 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$40 – $50 ~$11 less | ~$50 – $62 |
- 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.
Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/8 sweetness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 8 out of 10
oak 6/9 oak: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 9 out of 10
spice 7/5 spice: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 5 out of 10
heat 6/4 heat: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 4 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- 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.
- Woodford Reserve Double Oaked: A second barrel, deeply toasted, and the result is unashamedly dessert-like. Maple and caramelised sugar with heavy wood — polarising if you want restraint, excellent if you want sweetness.
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 slightly lower price point.
- Go with Woodford Reserve Double Oaked if you want an overtly sweet, heavily oaked, dessert-leaning bourbon.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout); neat, rocks (Woodford Reserve Double Oaked).