Smooth Ambler is back for a second try on Day 12, with Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 Year Old, a “Straight Bourbon Whiskey” that’s 49.5% alcohol.
I must confess some trepidation – my first word on opening this one up was “uh oh.” The Smooth Ambler Contradiction currently occupies the not-all-all-coveted last place on my rankings, and I compared its flavor to an oil drum.
Happily, this is a really different bourbon. The initial nose is mild, with hints of tobacco – that’s good pipe tobacco, mind you. In the mouth, it’s smooth, with hints of caramel or toffee, almost sweet.
The Smooth Ambler site says it’s “exceptionally drinkable for 99 proof” and I have to agree. This is good stuff.
Three stars!
The updated rankings:
- Blanton’s Gold Edition
- Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7
- Bulleit
- Elijah Craig
- Evan Williams
- FEW
- Booker’s 7 Year
- Four Roses
- Michter’s
- Roughstock Montana
- Old Forester
- Smooth Ambler Contradiction