Old Scout

Old Scout comes from the West Virginia Distillery, Smooth Ambler Spirits. Smooth Ambler makes vodka, gin, barrel-aged gin, rye whiskey and bourbon whiskey. Old Scout is a seven year old straight bourbon, made with a mashbill of 60% corn, 36% rye and 4% malt. It is a sourced whiskey from MGP of Indiana and bottled at 49.5% abv. Although many distilleries try to be disingenuous (and sometimes outright lie) about their use of sourced whiskies, Smooth Ambler seems to be proud of the fact – Old Scout is named for the skill of hand selecting and procuring small batches of whiskey. Off the bat, Old Scout feels strong on the nose. It eases up after a bit with notes of applewood, cherry and oak. The palate is rather easy going with a distinct sweetness of apple and vanilla, like an apple pie with vanilla ice cream. There’s some of the cherry from the nose and a dry tobacco feel. Like a cheap cherry flavored philly cigar. It finishes with some long, spicy rye notes. This whiskey is solid, with flavors that are rather tasty, yet singular in flavor. Although its price tag is not outrageous, this might taste better for a little less money… Locally available at Gates Circle Liquors for $38. Rating: 86/100.