Brian’s Smooth Ambler Old Scout BWE Private Pick Review:
reviewed 10-August-2021
SMOOTH AMBLER OLD SCOUT BWE PRIVATE PICK BOURBON REVIEW:
In early 2021, one of the Boise Whiskey Enthusiasts (BWE, a Facebook group of which I am a member) moderators posted, “How many BWE members would commit to purchase a Smooth Ambler 5-6yr MGP bourbon private barrel pick?” After much work and follow up by the moderator, other members of the group and staff at the Idaho State Liquor Division, Smooth Ambler BWE Private Pick became the subject of this review.
Before continuing it must be noted, there was a major methodology departure in the way this evaluation was conducted. First, I lost my senses of smell and taste about two months prior to the review. However, I did open and pour a glass in mid-July just after my bottles were secured. While I was not well enough to conduct a proper assessment, I could tell this was a good one. So I brought a bottle to share with family and friends while vacationing. Our consensus was one of approval.
While this bottling was only available to BWE members, it is a perfect example of why one should always consider bringing home bottles marked with “Director’s Cut”, “Private Barrel”, “Private Pick”, “Private Select”, and/or “Store Pick” whenever they are found in your local liquor haunt. And although I may have set the stage for possible memory bias, Smooth Ambler Old Scout BWE Private Pick (SAOS-BWE) is a fine bourbon and perfect for sharing.
SMOOTH AMBLER BWE PRIVATE PICK BOURBON VITAL STATS:
– Category: High Rye Bourbon, Private Barrel Pick
– Region: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA
– Distillery: Midwest Grain Products (MGP)
– Bottled by: Smooth Ambler Spirits, Maxwelton, West Virginia, USA
– Mash Bill*: high rye mashbill 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley
– Barrel Char: unpublished
– Barrel entry proof: unpublished
– Age: 5 Years (age stated on bottle)
– ABV: 58.4% (116.8 Proof) bottled at cask strength
– Batch or bottle number identifiers: BWE 1, Old Scout, 58.4% ALC./VOL., 5 YEARS AGED Barrel #: 24339
– Price: $52.95 (Idaho, July 2021)
Click Smooth Ambler and/or *MGP High Rye Mash Bill to learn more.
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
To achieve sufficient review amounts, alternate pours into Glencairns were made. The bourbon was then enjoyed neat with my daughters Elora and Hannah, my fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer.
Check out her review for this bourbon here!
SMOOTH AMBLER OLD SCOUT BWE PRIVATE PICK NOSE:
When first brought to my nose, SAOS-BWE provides a quick burn which gives way to light fruit tree blossoms, roasted sweet corn and the sensation of ripe berry nectar. This bourbon smells of caramel mixed with allspice, cinnamon, white pepper, rye and a fresh citrus zestiness, poured over fresh cut apples. While I would not classify the aroma as sweet, I do pick up traces of light vanilla, simple syrup, and caramelized brown sugar drizzled over roasted pine nuts. And all the while, its light oakiness and faint toasted wood enhance the gentle freshness.
SMOOTH AMBLER OLD SCOUT BWE PRIVATE PICK PALATE:
On the palate, SAOS-BWE offers just enough flavors to mimic the aromas I sensed. There is a quick bite and even a little burn, followed by faint fruit tree blossoms, roasted corn, some subtle dark fruit and a slight acidity which seems to enhance a hint of brininess. Allspice, cinnamon, pepper, and rye blend nicely with light vanilla, woody brown sugar caramel, and light molasses. Don’t misunderstand, as on the nose this is not a sweet bourbon. It is much more wood forward as faint pine nuts and slightly bitter dry roasted peanut dance with dry, heavy oak, hazy, smoky-sweet char and earthy leather and tobacco. I look forward to pairing this bourbon with smoked meat … maybe pork or beef ribs with some savory rye bread.
Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
The aromas and flavors of SAOS-BWE are solid and well blended, yet when I hold the whiskey in my mouth upon taking the first sip, it is a bit rough and tongue tingling. When my mouth becomes accustomed to the bite, the nectar has a nice buttery feel. As each sip is downed, long clinging legs return the remaining liquid to the carrot colored pool, leaving behind a diminishing droplet crown.
SMOOTH AMBLER OLD SCOUT BWE PRIVATE PICK FINISH:
Smooth Ambler Old Scout BWE Private Pick offers a medium length, warm finish of briny roasted corn, cinnamon, pepper and burnt caramel. There is also plenty of dry, heavy and strong oak pairing with hazy char. And when the last dram is downed, smoldering old oak sawdust wafts from the empty Glencairn.
MY SMOOTH AMBLER OLD SCOUT BWE PRIVATE PICK RATING: 88/100
Would I buy this whiskey again? YES
BWE purchased Barrel #24339 from Smooth Ambler from which its 174 bottles were purchased by group members. While no bottles remain, I watch for and will regularly purchase Store Pick Whiskey.
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.
Click 88/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
SMOOTH AMBLER OLD SCOUT BWE PRIVATE PICK TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
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