Smooth Ambler Old Scout 10 YO Single Barrel CS 59.6%
On the lookout for good bourbon
0 887
Review by @Nozinan
- Nose~
- Taste~
- Finish~
- Balance~
- Overall87
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Distribution of ratings for this:
- Brand: Smooth Ambler
- ABV: 59.6%
Last December (2016) I was in a liquor store in Calgary that I hadn’t been to previously and was awestruck by an array of bourbons and ryes. In addition to OGD BiB I picked up a couple of these (one became a gift to a special Connosr friend). I finally opened it on October 6 with my brother in law.
I don’t know much about Smooth Ambler or Old Scout. My understanding is that they buy distillate (presumably done to their own specifications) and then sell it under their brand. This particular barrel was bottled after 10 years at cask strength. It was gassed after opening and this is the second time I’ve poured it. It was almost full.
This expression is reviewed in my usual manner, allowing it to settle (for about ½ an hour as I completed my work) after which I take my nosing and tasting notes, followed by the addition of a half capful of water, waiting, then nosing and tasting.
Nose: 22/25
Neat – In the Glencairn, vanilla and caramel and butterscotch, later this fades back and I get some fruits: cherry, sour apple. In the empty glass (after pouring into the Kentucky Bourbon Glass) I get dust and spruce needles. In the bourbon glass I get a lot of vanilla and caramel. Very classic Bourbon nose.
With water – I got a more faded nose, still pleasant, in the Glencairn. The nose is the same as neat in the bourbon glass.
Taste: 22/25
Neat – First sip in the Glencairn is sweet. Rich vanilla and caramel, some butterscotch. I get a ton of nutmeg in the development. After a drink of water the next sip has a menthol mintiness to it. In the bourbon glass the caramel and vanilla are muted on the arrival but more prominent in the development, and the nutmeg is more prominent.
With water – It has a lot more alcoholic zip, which adds a spiciness and cuts through the sweetness a little. More menthol, and a hint of what I imagine spruce sap would taste like. A bit more bitter and peppery in the bourbon glass, then mint and nutmeg in the development.
Finish: 21/25
The finish is actually shortish, but I get this tickle in my throat as if I had eaten Trader Joe’s Chocolate with pop rocks and cayenne (yes, that is a thing).
Balance: 22/25
A little narrow in dimension, and maybe just a tad too sweet on the palate. I really like the nutmeg (reminds me of Smith and Cross rum). Water really changes it. Not better, not worse. Very different and maybe a little more complex.
Score: 87/100
I had to call it a night and put about 20 cc of the 30 cc pour into my “couldn’t finish” MoM sample vial. I look forward to seeing how it develops over the next few days (until I have a chance to get back to it).
I’m really on the fence about the water. I think that the water adds things that I can get in a rum for half the price, but I’m really enjoying it this way too. I may end up having to experiment over time with the rest of this bottle.
One concern is the cork closure. It’s a little loose. Hopefully this won’t be too much of a problem as it’s at almost 60% and gassed.
MGPI = Midwest Grain Products Ingredients, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana is reported to be the source of this bourbon. Smooth Ambler in Maxwelton, West Virginia has been doing its own distilling since 2010, but this one is one of its sourced bourbons.
About the loose cork, I keep a little bag of leftover corks for just such occasions. You don't?
What do you think that your 'half a capful' of water translates to in ml? "Capful" is not to me a standardized size.
I am interested in hearing how the whiskey develops with additional air exposure. You might choose not to gas it for awhile to watch it develop. If it were mine, I'd probably do it that way, and then gas it after 9-12 months open. 59.6% ABV bourbons are not very perishable, i.e. air fragile. It's the lower proof stuff that really needs the gas.
Thanks, @Nozinan!