Smooth Ambler Old Scout Straight Bourbon Store Picks 5 Year

Rye spice, honey

“Los Miguel’s” pick from Star Liquor in Phoenix Arizona. 117.4 proof. 5 year age statement. Robust nose features circus peanuts, macadamia nuts, orange zest, gentle oak, and nutmeg. On some nights this hit me with ethanol fumes and on other nights it didn’t (including this one) so confusing AF there. On the palate big nutty presence (a blend of cashew, peanut, and walnut), cherry, oak, caramel, and barrel spices (equal parts cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and allspice) Finish is so sharp it cuts like a knife featuring “atomic fireball” cinnamon candy, ash, and an unattenuated alcohol bite that really beats the tongue up a little. It’s medium in length but since it’s not a great finish, you’d probably prefer shorter. Mouthfeel is grainy, which only adds to the harshness. Seeing as I used to get Total Wine’s (superior) five year store picks at $42, the $57 mark makes this a hard child to love. A fan of the five year store picks and would rebuy them in the future; just not necessarily this one.

Great flavor with a lasting sweetness.

This is a 5 year, 59.4% ABV pick done by Liquor barn. Barrel 27819 and bottled by Jordan. I love Remus reserve, the Boone County 12-14y picks and Down home 12... but young MGP bourbon is something I’ve never tried. More available options would be Belle Meade bourbon or regular Remus, also in the $40-50 range and possibly older but at lower proof. Color is a nice burnt orange. Nose is just funky on this neck pour. Oak, pepper, cardamon, blood orange, ethanol, dill, Hawaiian Punch... Jazzy on the tongue with a slug of Hawaiian Punch, tobacco and oak that takes a turn toward tannic dill, more oak, tums (classic MGP) and then fades back into punch and tobacco. The mouthfeel is initially thin but has a drying, slightly oily feel on the tongue with the finish. I think for $45-50 this is a re-buy. I guess mine was $53 but can say this dances with Rare Breed and 1920 for the same hard earned cash. Profile is quite different, very MGP and not terribly far from Remus Reserve at $80. Fruitier than Remus. Spice profile isn’t as broad as Russels Reserve or Rare Breed but there is no lack of spice. Fruit level is on par with 1920 but not as smokey. For the proof this has relatively little burn on the palate but does give a nice Kentucky hug. I can only imagine what this would be at 14 years but this holds its own. Will have to put this against Belle Meade 2020 NAS cask strength... more to come.

I've been seeing these around but have hesitated at the $65 price tag. A friend in Florida picked one up in Phoenix and has offered a taste. The nose is exquisite. Hot buttered caramel corn on the forefront and limited alcohol burn for 120+ proof. The palate is lacking and somewhat disjointed as the alcohol is far more prevalent with butterscotch in the background and the finish is fairly short. I like this as I do most MGP products but my recent taste of the 7yo Remus single barrel tells me 7 years is where it's at and its $65.

This is a pick from Corkdorks in Nashville and it rings in at 118.4. Nose leads with musty oak, maple syrup, sweet corn and I get fall leaves scent or real earthy. Mouthfeel is better than the Cool Springs pick as it's real viscous for a 5 year pick. Flavors are Cherry, Vanilla that are pretty much a line drive right up the middle for flavor. Finish has some complexity as I get pipe tobacco, carmel, vanilla, and a wave of chocolate. Its a fun pick!

This is a pick of Cool Springs Wine and Spirits and 116.8 proof. On the nose I get powered sugar, toffee, pear, dusty corn and musty oak. The mouthfeel is a little light. Flavors are cherry, oak, tiki bitters, marshmallow, graham cracker. It has s'more vibes for sure. The finish is a little warm but more pleasant than warm and the flavor that lingers is oatmeal raisin cookie.