Smooth Ambler Old Scout Ten Bourbon Whiskey

This review was transferred from Barreled (December 2016): Another excellent sample from last night's impromptu bourbon tasting. This review covers not just the standard 10-year Old Scout bourbon, but a single barrel, barrel-strength version exclusively bottled for the online whiskey retailer, Binny's. While the regular 10-year is exactly 100 proof, this single barrel exceeds 117 proof. I did sample a small amount of the regular 7-year-old to establish a baseline and assess the impact of an additional three years on this lower-tier bourbon. I must say, those extra three years make a significant difference. The nose still carried a heavy corn scent, but that's where the similarities to the 7-year-old ended. The palate was remarkably impressive: it offered notes of vanilla, oak, toffee, and even hints of dark berry and cherries. It was considerably sweeter and exceptionally smoother as well. The 7-year-old was harsh and rather unappealing. The finish was somewhat brief but pleasant. I'm uncertain about the bottle's availability or its price point, but it was unexpectedly a highlight of the evening. I need to keep an eye out for more from this producer. It's good stuff, and I advise you to do the same. If this is priced around $30-40 per bottle, I would consider it a fantastic deal. Cheers.

Nose: Extremely sweet, with abundant vanilla, sugar, and notes reminiscent of an ice cream cone cookie. Hints of cinnamon and a touch of oaky clove are present, but it strongly leans toward sweetness. The prevalence of corn syrupy notes seems to be the reason. Taste: Features sugar and maple. Initially, I thought the alcohol content was overpowering, but that was clearly my unaccustomed palate. It's sweet and sugary, almost vegetal, and heavily corn-based. While complex, it favors sweetness with considerably less oak influence than one might expect for its age. Finish: Medium in length but intricate and fairly gentle. The alcohol is noticeable but not harsh. It's simply a pleasant, sweet departure (literally). Overall: This is a respectable dram, particularly for the price. Even without considering the cost, it offers great value at around $45 in my area. It's not a bargain like the Eagle, but it's still quite reasonable. The flavors are robust and multifaceted, with no significant drawbacks. For these reasons, I'm assigning it a Rank of 6. Thank you for reading! Rank: 6

Initially subtle on the nose, it eventually reveals faint traces of rich, sweet caramel and vanilla, underscored by cinnamon and wood-spice. Cherry syrup is present, alongside some alcohol warmth. The taste begins smoothly, escalating to an unexpected burn for its age, leaving a numb finish. It starts with dominant, slightly sweet toasted wood, followed by milk chocolate, vanilla, cherry syrup, and wood sap, gradually evolving into light maple syrup, cinnamon, and clove, with a touch of bitterness. Dilution softens harshness and introduces citrus notes like orange peel, but also thins the flavor. The finish leans towards dry, over-oaked bitterness with tannins. It's a decent whiskey, though not outstanding, and certainly not worth the elevated price in some locations (over $75 in Alberta, Canada).

I know it's Monday, but you think you'll just have one, then another to finish it off. However, that second one isn't as good as the first, and before you realize it, you're chasing that original feeling. It's like a less intense version of meth, I've heard. The first one is amazing, but afterward, you can never recapture that same feeling. I figured an American whiskey would get me closer after the Elijah Craig, but I took one sip and thought, 'Ah, damn, it's like its weaker sibling.' As mentioned in another review I just read, 'it's like Elijah Craig.' I've had fantastic American Whiskies that don't taste like bourbon at all; why make one that does? Anyway, as for my review of EC... blech...

Copper red hue. Appears viscous, coating the glass. Aromas of toasted coconut, burnt brown sugar, caramel, cinnamon, subtle clove, and oak. Smells fantastic. Toasted coconut dominates the palate with burnt sugar. A slight licorice note on the finish. It's drying and oaky. Highly drinkable without water, with a rich, chewy texture. Notes of cinnamon, pencil shavings, crème brûlée topping, and a bit of butterscotch. Adding water softens these flavors and reveals marzipan in the mid-palate and finish, which lingers. Absolutely excellent. One of my preferred bourbons and I didn't need to endure hardship or engage in deception.

Enjoyed a fantastic dram at Chimes in Covington, Louisiana yesterday evening. The setting wasn't ideal for discerning flavors (overwhelmed by too many delightful scents), but it's a wonderful spot to try excellent bourbon alongside delicious cuisine. The aroma is immediately captivating, presenting abundant vanilla, oak, and nutty notes. The taste is equally impressive. It coincided with half-price oyster night, and the Smooth Ambler paired flawlessly. Truly unbeatable!!!