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Stellum Bourbon vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Comparing Stellum Bourbon and Smooth Ambler Old Scout reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a blender-built, spice-driven bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Stellum Bourbon | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 115 proof (57.5% ABV) +16 proof | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$40 – $50 ~$5 less |
- Stellum Bourbon does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Stellum Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Stellum Bourbon Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Stellum Bourbon 4 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
heat 7/6 heat: Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
spice 7/7 spice: Stellum Bourbon 7 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Stellum Bourbon 6 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Stellum Bourbon 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 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.
- Stellum Bourbon: Barrell's lower-priced, cask-strength line. It drinks gentler than its proof, with vanilla and caramel on top of cinnamon, clove and a long, spicy finish.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Stellum Bourbon if you want a cask-strength, multi-state blend that drinks easier than its proof with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
- 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.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Stellum Bourbon); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).