Name: Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon

Bottled By: Smooth Ambler Spirits

ABV: 49.5%

Proof: 99

Age: 7 Years

Notes: On the nose Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon has a nice cinnamon and anise scent. After letting it open up for a bit I was greeted with some nice aromas of fresh mint and oak. On the palate, I was greeted with a burst of rye with a fair amount of spice; there were some strong black pepper and wood flavors with some sweet hints of caramel, vanilla, and a very sweet maple syrup. The finish is long, spicy, and full of bold flavors of oak and fresh peppers that slowly fade away. I really enjoyed this bourbon. I thought the flavor profile was great. It is definitely spicy and bold but it is very smooth. I particularly enjoyed the finish and the fact that it seemed to linger for just the right amount of time before slowly fading away. I enjoyed this one neat, with a splash, and on the rocks. Adding a splash brought out some great flavors and allowed me to really get a sense of the rye. On the rocks it seemed to mellow out some of the spicy flavors which may be ideal for some, but I prefer the spicy taste with this bourbon. I personally enjoyed this best neat or with a splash; both ways seemed to provide me with the perfect amount of spice which I thoroughly enjoyed. This is a great bourbon and one that would be a fine addition to any shelf and with a price point of $30-$40 dollars, it is a great value.

History: Smooth Ambler was formed in 2009 and began distilling whiskey in early 2010. They started off like a lot of other craft distilleries and began making clear products (Vodka, Gin, and White Whiskey), while also laying whiskey back, primarily a wheated bourbon, as quickly as possible. In the second year of business, they were able to acquire some really good, properly matured barrels of whiskey, specifically, high-rye bourbon, low-rye bourbon, and a straight rye. That is the whiskey they have released as “Old Scout” and they merchant bottle it in as pure and authentic manner as possible. They are open and honest about their sourced whiskey and the fact that they do two things, hand make some whiskey and handpick some whiskey. I find this to be very respectable and like the fact that they are so forthcoming about this, even notating it on the bottle. I’ve spoken with John Foster from Smooth Ambler and you can tell he is proud of the product he has and he should be because in my opinion it is delicious bourbon.