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Zackariah Harris vs Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Comparing Zackariah Harris and Smooth Ambler Old Scout reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a blender-built, spice-driven bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Zackariah Harris | Smooth Ambler Old Scout |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 99 proof (49.5% ABV) +19 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$13 – $22 ~$28 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- Zackariah Harris 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
Zackariah Harris
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Zackariah Harris Smooth Ambler Old Scout
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 3/7 spice: Zackariah Harris 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 out of 10
oak 3/6 oak: Zackariah Harris 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
fruit 2/5 fruit: Zackariah Harris 2 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
heat 3/6 heat: Zackariah Harris 3 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 6 out of 10
nuttiness 2/3 nuttiness: Zackariah Harris 2 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 3 out of 10
sweetness 5/5 sweetness: Zackariah Harris 5 out of 10, Smooth Ambler Old Scout 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- Zackariah Harris: A bottom-shelf Kentucky straight bourbon, mostly sold in liters and handles. Simple caramel and oak with a short, warm 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 Zackariah Harris if you want a simple Kentucky bourbon for mixing at a lower price point.
- 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.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Zackariah Harris); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Smooth Ambler Old Scout).