Smooth Ambler Old Scout Single Barrel Rye

Review is for a $50 bottle of SAOS SiB Rye 4 Year age statement and 114.8 Proof. Neck pour, tasted neat in Glencairn, and rested 10 minutes. Nose has a dose of ethanol heat but not over bearing for the proof. Getting past the heat a bright scent of sweet vanilla with hints of orange zest emerge that is underpinned by wafts of wet oak. On the palate an initial burst of sweet vanilla with a somewhat creamy mouthfeel, that shifts into tingling spicy heat and then further evolves to show mint and clove menthol like notes. Finally as the medium to long spicy finish begins to give way, slight heat and spice lingers, with a faint touch of dark cocoa powdered oak showing ever so slightly as it all fades away. Delicious MGP sourced rye.

8yr 57.7% 2015

very smooth, becomes more complex if you hold in your mouth, just delicious

Single Barrel, 11 years, 114.4 proof, released 2018. Wow, great nose. Fruit and dill. Strong pickle juice on the palate, but balanced with a plethora of notes otherwise. Complex. Towards the end, dark chocolate and sour ale/lambic notes. Smooth for the proof. Long finish. Quality. 2/22/19

Aged 10 Years, Barrel No. 3574, 118.6 Proof

58.4% ABV 8 Year | Barrel #1465 Nose - (w/o water) Sweet dark vanilla toffee, cinnamon spice, light sweet mint, buttered rye toast (w/ water) not much change. Taste - (w/o water) Heavy cinnamon spice/heat/tingle, dark chocolate covered dark toffee, sweet mint, hint of cherry coke concentrate (w/ water) Spice softens up considerably, dark chocolate, sweet mint is barely present now, more balanced cherry coke concentrate. Finish - (w/o water) Lingering cinnamon spice, lightly drying, woody cherry coke concentrate (w/ water) Lingering vanilla, chocolate, cherry coke concentrate. Score - 92/100 Final Thoughts - This was a really great rye. I'm a bit disappointed I didn't pick up a few more bottles when I had the chance because for the price I paid back then, this is a fantastic cask strength, 8 year old rye that hits all the notes I like in a rye. Nice sweet mint I usually get from MGP combined with a nice cherry coke concentrate flavor I quite like. A tiny bit of water really opens it up and softens out most of the harsh/woody notes in this. This would be great both neat with a tiny bit of water, or in a basic old fashioned. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Yes Would I buy a bottle? - Yes