Smooth Ambler Old Scout Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon

Bull City Bourbon Club pick - "When the Leche Breaks" Barrel No. 35890 Age: 6 years and 3 months 58.2% abv; 116.4 proof Open 6 weeks Nose - Brown sugar, caramel, toasted vanilla, hot cinnamon bun, allspice, black pepper, sweet oak tannins, medicinal cherry, burnt orange peel, and light ethanol. Palate - Crème brulee, caramel hard candy, cherry cough drops, toasted marshmallow, Honey Nut Cheerios, and wet barley. Finish is medium with sweet and dry oak, light orange peel, black pepper, light caramel, light dill, and light ethanol. Old Scout has similar flavors to other sourced MGP high rye bourbons like Penelope, Pinhook, and Old Soul, but clearly offers the best value for the money. While those other bourbons are all around $60 for similar age and proof, Old Scout continues to offer cask strength picks for $35 in NC. For most people that is a steal in today's market. Personally I'm not that into it. They all taste like grainy caramel with hints of citrus, but are not in the same league as Smoke Wagon or other premium MGP products. I'll still buy picks when available because they are incredible values and at the worst are excellent mixers due to the proof and high rye content. But, if you are looking for MGP bourbon or high rye bourbon you can do better <$80 with Belle Meade, Smoke Wagon, Four Roses, Old Grand-Dad, Redemption, and Bulleit.

Surprisingly tasty; unique notes that set this bourbon apart from 95% of others.

Enjoyed an ounce of the 2021 5 year 116 proof pick at The Century Bar which was good - just fine.

Nose: Brown sugar, vanilla cream, cinnamon, oak, clove, prunes, and raisins. Palate: Butterscotch, orange peel, brown sugar, raisins, oak, and vanilla.