I recently had the pleasure of trying the Smooth Ambler Old Scout Cask Strength Rye and was blown away by its complexity and balance. This rye whiskey is a single barrel release with an ABV of 61.8%, aged for 5 years in new charred oak barrels. The mash bill consists of 88% rye and 12% malted barley.
Table of Contents
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Cask Strength Rye Overview
Product History
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Cask Strength Rye is a premium whiskey that is distilled in West Virginia. The Old Scout Rye is part of the family of sourced whiskies that Smooth Ambler produces. The distillery sources the rye from Indiana, and then they bring it to West Virginia to age and bottle it.
The Old Scout Cask Strength Rye is a single barrel release, meaning that each barrel is unique and has its own flavor profile. The whiskey is aged for at least 5 years, and it is bottled at cask strength, which means that it is not diluted with water before bottling.
This rye whiskey has a complex flavor profile that includes notes of citrus, sweet spice, and caramel. The cask strength makes the flavors pronounced but never overbearing, and there is a peppery, yet manageable, heat that leads to a long and generously warming finish of crème brûlée and clove.
Price Range
The Smooth Ambler Old Scout Cask Strength Rye is a premium whiskey that is priced at around $50–70 per bottle. This price point is in line with other premium rye whiskies on the market, and it is a fair price for the quality of the product.
photo credit: smoothambler.com
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Cask Strength Rye has a delightful aroma that is both sweet and spicy. The nose is filled with scents of caramel, vanilla, and mint, with a hint of cinnamon and black pepper. The aroma is inviting and makes you want to take a sip.
Flavor
The flavor of Smooth Ambler Old Scout Cask Strength Rye is complex and well-balanced. The initial taste is sweet, with notes of toffee and citrus, followed by a spicy kick of rye and black pepper. The oak and vanilla flavors are also present, adding to the complexity of the whiskey. The flavors are bold and pronounced, making this a whiskey that demands attention.
Finish
The finish of Smooth Ambler Old Scout Cask Strength Rye is long and warming. The sweetness of the toffee and caramel lingers on the tongue, while the spicy notes of rye and black pepper provide a satisfying kick. The finish is smooth and well-rounded, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that makes you want to take another sip.
Rating
Overall, I would rate Smooth Ambler Old Scout Cask Strength Rye a solid 8 out of 10. The flavors are bold and complex, and the finish is long and satisfying. This is a whiskey that is perfect for sipping on its own or enjoying with a good cigar. I would highly recommend this whiskey to anyone who enjoys a good rye whiskey.
Mixing and Pairing
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Best Mixers
When it comes to mixing Smooth Ambler Old Scout Cask Strength Rye, I recommend using simple mixers that won’t overpower the whiskey’s complex flavors. Some of my favorite mixers include ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, and tonic water. These mixers add just the right amount of sweetness and carbonation to complement the spicy notes of the rye.
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Cocktail Suggestions
If you’re looking for some cocktail inspiration, try mixing Smooth Ambler Old Scout Cask Strength Rye with sweet vermouth and a dash of bitters for a classic Manhattan. For a refreshing summer drink, mix the rye with lemonade and a splash of club soda. And for a unique twist on a whiskey sour, try adding a splash of pomegranate juice to the mix.
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Food Pairings
When it comes to food pairings, Smooth Ambler Old Scout Cask Strength Rye pairs well with bold, spicy flavors. I recommend pairing it with dishes like barbecue ribs, spicy chicken wings, or a hearty beef stew. The rye’s spicy notes complement the bold flavors of these dishes, while its smooth finish helps to balance out the heat.
Conclusion
Smooth Ambler Old Scout Cask Strength Rye is a great choice for whiskey enthusiasts who enjoy a complex and balanced rye whiskey. It’s a single barrel release, so each bottle may have slight variations, but the overall quality of the product is consistently high. If you’re looking for a rye whiskey that’s full of flavor and character, this is definitely one to try.
Related Posts
If you enjoyed my review of Smooth Ambler Old Scout Cask Strength Rye, here are a few other posts you might find interesting:
- Weekly Review: Old Pulteney Clipper Commemorative Edition: This post from The Whisky Lady takes a closer look at the Old Pulteney Clipper Commemorative Edition, a special release that celebrates the brand’s sailing heritage.
- Weekly Review: Jericho Christmas Pudding (Lost Distillery Co.): If you’re in the mood for something festive, check out this review of Jericho Christmas Pudding from The Lost Distillery Company.
- Reviewing Compass Box 3 Year Old Deluxe & Spice Tree Extravaganza: This post from The Whisky Lady offers a detailed look at two expressions from Compass Box: the 3 Year Old Deluxe and the Spice Tree Extravaganza.
- Weekly Review: Claxton’s Rioja-matured Bruichladdich: In this post, The Whisky Lady explores a unique expression from Claxton’s: a Bruichladdich that has been matured in Rioja wine casks.
- Weekly Review: Lossit – The Lost Distillery Co.: Finally, if you’re interested in lost distilleries, check out this review of Lossit from The Lost Distillery Company.
