Smooth Ambler - Old Scout 7 year Bourbon

This whiskey is part of the Old Scout line produced by Smooth Ambler, which is known for its sourced offerings from MGP in Indiana.

• Classification:  Straight Bourbon
• Proof:  99
• Age: 7 years
• Mashbill: 60% Corn, 36% Rye, 4% Malted Barley
• Colour: Honey

Nose: The aroma reveals notes of caramel, vanilla, and pipe tobacco, with a subtle layer of alcohol.  While not particularly inviting, it sets the stage for what's to come.

Palate: Chewy pipe tobacco and burnt wood dominate, complemented by chocolate and a hint of cherry fruit.  The sip also features a distinctive earthy quality that pairs well with a cigar.

Finish:  Initially, there's a bit of spice and an unexpected astringency, but this quickly fades, leaving behind chocolatey, earthy, and burnt wood flavors.  It starts a bit rough but ends on a positive note.

Smooth Ambler was established in 2009 by John Little and Tag Galyean.  Like High West, they decided to source whiskey to offer reasonably aged bottlings alongside their in-house distilled offerings.  In this case, the sourced whiskey comes from MGP in Indiana.  While not unique on paper, the flavor profile stands out with its earthy quality, making it a pleasant surprise.

Slàinte Mhath!