Zachary-Robbins
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Single Barrel Rye
Rye — West Virginia, USA
Reviewed
April 7, 2021 (edited April 17, 2021)
Barrel No. 16747
Age 4 years
55.8%, 111.6 proof
Open 2 weeks
Nose - Strong lemon and citrus peel, Lemonheads, Pine Sol, eucalyptus, dill, saltwater taffy, toffee, strong ethanol.
Palate - Surprisingly sweet up front, light caramel and butterscotch, toffee, lemon custard, powdered cinnamon and nutmeg, vanilla frosting. The finish is long, oily, and bright with lots of tannic oak and rye spices, black pepper, artificial citrus, butterscotch, and lighter than expected ethanol burn.
For the money this is an incredible rye. I thought the Old Scout Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon I had recently was above average MGP for the money, but this blows it away at the same price point. Old Scout Single Barrel Cask Strength bottles are rare in NC, but I happened to see 10 on the shelf locally a few weeks ago and they sat there for days. I regret not picking up two. It is better than James E. Pepper 1776 Barrel Proof Rye, and as good as Templeton Rye Cask Strength for less money. It has a balance of citrus, baking spices, sugar, and eucalyptus/dill that those two don't. If you see this under $60 I would buy it immediately, it is a great and affordable representation of high rye whiskey.
49.95
USD
per
Bottle
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