Smooth Ambler Old Scout American Whiskey Review

By Richard Thomas

Rating: B+

First, let’s head off some potential confusion: there is an Old Scout Bourbon and an Old Scout American Whiskey. This is about the latter.

This is one of those clever blends that outfits like Smooth Ambler and High West are so noted for. The started with a stock of high rye (36% rye content) bourbon that is 9 years old-plus and sourced from MGP in Indiana, the same as used for the Old Scout Bourbon. To this they have added some 5-plus year old whiskey made in Tennessee. The latter was distilled from a bourbonesque mash, but aged in used barrels that received a fresh charring. Because bourbon calls for aging in new oak, the use of even a re-charred barrel makes it something else. Blending the two stocks together make it American Whiskey. It is bottled at 99 proof.

The Whiskey
Old Scout has a look that straddles the line between copper and gold. A pour forms a beady crown in the glass, one that is so sticky that it refuses to drop tears in any reasonable period of time.

The nose is simple, straightforward, and full of character: roasted nuts in the lead, joined by butterscotch and wood. A sip shows a light, creamy texture and a sweet flavor at first. This turns spicy, before allowing the roasted notes and wood to come back up. The finish runs short, showing a pinch of mint before disappearing.

The blending of Old Scout allows it to bring together some lovely elements, and the palate even shows a little sophistication. The finish was a bit disappointing, but I was surprised by just how much I liked it. For the money, it’s an excellent buy.

The Price
Smooth Ambler Old Scout American Whiskey will run you a quite reasonable $32 a bottle.