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Smooth Ambler BWE Private Pick Review

Posted on 16-August-202109-May-2022 by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Smooth Ambler BWE Private Pick Review – Old Scout

Original review written August 10, 2021

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

While I had Smooth Ambler on a vacation, bringing this home and sipping it again doesn’t quite live up to the standard I’ve created in my head. Woody and salty, I find this leaves my palate confused and lost. 82/100

VITALS:

– Made In: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA
– Distillery: Midwest Grain Products (MGP)
– Bottled by: Smooth Ambler Spirits, Maxwelton, West Virginia, USA
– Classification: Bourbon Whiskey; Private Barrel Pick
– Age: 5 yrs.
– Mash Bill: Corn=60%; Rye=36%; Malted Barley=4%
– Casks: unpublished char
– Barrel Entry Proof: unpublished
– ABV: 58.4% (116.8 proof)
– Barrel #: 24339
– BW1=Smooth Ambler, Boise Whiskey Enthusiasts (BWE)
– Price: $52.95 USD in Idaho

For more information, visit smoothambler.com and mgpingredients.com/distilled-spirits/beverage/product/bourbon/bourbon-36-rye.html

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the juice neat from a Glencairn glass with sister, Elora, as well as father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review for this bourbon here!

SETTING:

I imagine sitting outside, perhaps in the middle of a wood. Looking up, I can picture seeing birdhouses, standing out in bright colors and decorated with songbirds and chirping. Smooth Ambler belongs with the earth and is meant to be surrounded by nature. Settle in, bury your toes in the dirt and let nature take over the senses with Old Scout sitting in the soul.

Photo by Johnny Brewer on Unsplash

NOSE:

Caramel and butterscotch leap from the glass with a bit of earthy nuttiness chasing just behind it. The nuttiness is very reminiscent of unsalted peanuts, and even still settled in their shells. Deeper inhales bring out a savory oakiness, smoke of a mild barbeque, and a freshly baked rye bread. There’s almost a vegetable quality, perhaps like a potato starch, though it is still very fresh and not at all unpleasant. I find a slight hint of black pepper and sea salt, but otherwise, the spices are very gentle and mild. The sea salt pairs with the aforementioned caramel along with a bit of dark chocolate for some sweetness. I do not find any fruit here whatsoever.

PALATE:

– Mouth Feel: This is very soft and velvety on the tongue, with only a slight zing of an alcohol tingle.
– Balance: Wood forward, yet still mostly balanced. The saltiness might be a little heavy at times and cover other flavors slightly, but it does add an interesting dimension to the bourbon overall.
– Visual: Carrot in color, there are long legs that disappear quickly, but the crown lingers for a good while.

– Taste: The freshly shelled peanuts, pine nuts, and corn come across the palate first, along with some smoky, oaky sawdust. The smokiness is a lot like the bark on a cut of cooked meat. The rye bread from the nose is here again, with the rye lifting the natural depth of the bourbon a bit. I taste a leather element that seems to be seasoned with a rich herbal quality, like a sprig of rosemary. I find a rich, but odd sweetness, almost like brown butter. The other sweetness noted on the nose is still here also, but seems more confined to a salted caramel.

The alcohol tickles just slightly, but otherwise is mild and blends with the freshness of the herbs. A small amount of sweetness emerges when I partake in the Kentucky chew, with brown sugar apples taking lead. The salt kicks in again and once again, makes the palate quite savory.

To be sure, this is a good bourbon; however, the savory flavors and surprises around every corner of this whiskey make it difficult to predict. It makes my mouth salivate for the saltiness, but without a poignant spice or juicy fruit, I can’t help but feel slightly lost. The woodiness and corn accents make this definitely bourbon, but by also being nutty and almost meaty, my palate just doesn’t know what to do.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Medium. I get some flavors that stick around for a while, but any kind of bourbon heat dissipates quickly.
– Between Sips: Sea salt, fresh and bright rye, and a certain tang linger between sips. I wouldn’t say it’s a citric acid, but it does make the back corners of my mouth tingle a little.

– No More: Salted caramel and toffee color the empty glass with sweet oak. If the pour itself had tasted more like this, I know I would have enjoyed it more, because this empty glass smells incredible.

WORTH THE PRICE?

This is a good bourbon to be sure, but at over $50, the uniqueness of flavors and confusion settling on my palate makes me hesitate. I think the price is fair, and I’m sure for some, this would be an absolute steal. However, as it doesn’t quite line up with my preferred flavor profiles and leaves me more lost than found, I do not think I will be purchasing again.

I would like to note that I did enjoy this bourbon before partaking in reviewing it. I had been in the company of friends and family, and that can have more than enough effect on any pour to make an event enjoyable. And while I would have loved to have encapsulated that joy and carried it to an existing bottle at home, a part of me is happy to have left the bubble around the campfire of my vacation. There, it can always exist as a distinct point in time when everything tasted warm and delicious.

SMOOTH AMBLER BWE PRIVATE PICK REVIEW RATING: 82/100

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Smooth Ambler Old Scout BWE Private Pick

Posted on 15-August-202106-May-2022 by whiskeyfortheages

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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Knob Creek SiB ID Select Bourbon 2 Review

Posted on 14-June-202128-June-2022 by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Knob Creek SiB ID Select Bourbon 2 Review

Original review written June 8, 2021

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

If you like wood, earth, and spice, this bourbon would be right up your alley. Strong in alcohol boldness ad with a really great blend, this 2nd store pick provides originality in spades. 88/100

VITALS:

Knob Creek SiB ID Select Bourbon 2 Review

– Made In: Clermont, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Jim Beam Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Private Select; Single Barrel
– Age: 15 yrs.
– Vintage Year: March 25, 2004
– Mash Bill: Corn=75%; Rye=13%; Malted Barley=12%
– Casks: Char #4
– Cask Number: 7997c
– Warehouse X, Floor 4, Rack 28, Tier 2
– Barrel Entry Proof: 125
– ABV: 60% (120 proof)
– Price: $59.95 USD in Idaho

Visit knobcreek.com/single-barrel for more information

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the juice neat from a Glencairn with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review of this bourbon here!

SETTING:

I imagine drinking this one on a blustery coast, perhaps perched on the edge of a cliff. The smell of seawater and confused winds attack the senses while this bourbon keeps you warm and grounded in its woody and earthiness. (I realize there are no coasts in Idaho for this Idaho Private Select, but go with me here.) The world is fresh and alive, and this bourbon is both familiar yet exciting in this landscape.

Photo by Maddie Leopardo on Unsplash

NOSE:

This smells very much like a strong, yet sweet wine on the first shallow pass, but deeper draws coax out raspberries, raisins, black pepper and ginger. It’s amazing I got a wine essence at all, quite honestly. There’s a deep leather, dark brown sugar, and perhaps a bit of cinnamon. These are certainly very strong flavors, but the corn evens it out just enough to make everything come off as predominantly rich and sweet. I find a bit of syrupy sweetness also, but I can’t quite say whether it is caramel or maybe maple. There may even be some milk chocolate chips too.

The alcohol is quite strong on this one certainly, aided and fueled by the black pepper. However, I wouldn’t say that it is hot enough to burn. It stings at just about the level I’d expect a bourbon of 120 proof to sting.

PALATE:

– Mouth Feel: Raspy and very textured. I think it’s the most entertaining aspect of this bourbon.
– Balance: REALLY blended. Every flavor melds together perfectly, and certainly makes for a very uniform taste and profile.
– Visual: Flame in color, there is no crown and there are very few, thin, fasting-dropping legs.

– Taste: A gritty oak crosses the palate first, with a bit of the black pepper and ginger from the nose and certainly a lot of unexpected earth. For fruit, I get a dark stone fruit, like prunes or plum. I think the raisin from the nose is still here also, but the berries seem to have vanished. There is a bitterness to found here, maybe in the form of hazelnuts or very aged leather. The corn is here in almost a grilled sense and may be contributing to the bitterness while still being simultaneously fresh. There could even be a dried grass/straw here too.

The alcohol pops on every sip, but not in a way that makes you too scared of it. It is most definitely hot and it influences the mouth feel a lot, but it is a far cry from the hottest bourbon I’ve ever had. I can let it sit on my tongue for a good while, allowing the hazelnuts, oak and earth to come forward even more. When I partake in a Kentucky chew, the heat grows exponentially and excites the black pepper and ginger. Other than that, it stays true and tastes much like a burning version of itself.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Long. I’d say the heat is what lingers the most after the sip is gone with some spicy flavors.
– Between Sips: The black pepper is prominent here between sips, along with the ginger. There is also an herbal flavor that I can’t quite put my finger on, but it is certainly savory.

– No More: This stays consistent the further into the glass I get, but the woodiness only becomes more apparent. I will say I was hoping for some fruit to pop in more strongly, but the warmth, corn, and spice carry this bourbon straight to the happy finish line regardless.

The empty Glencairn is oak and sawdust and all things rich and warm with a hint of spice.

WORTH THE PRICE?

For $60, and something that is 120 proof, I’d be hard-pressed to say it’s not worth the expense. While it may not be the traditional profile that I go for, if I am in a woody, spicy, bitter mood, this could easily be a go-to, and I’d be happy. Knob Creek single barrels are often good, and this one is no exception.

As this particular bottling likely isn’t found on the shelves anymore, however, it’d be difficult to promote this to the fullest. Despite this, I will say that if your state has offerings of Single Barrel Knob Creeks you certainly should give them a try! Store picks are great ways to get to know your state liquor handlers, as it were. Furthermore, they are opportunities to really get to know the personal tastes and unique varieties that can come from distilleries!

KNOB CREEK SIB ID SELECT BOURBON 2 REVIEW RATING: 88/100

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Click 88/100 to access other whiskies with this rating.
To access other whiskies from this brand, click Knob Creek.

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