Bourbon Club of Arkansas Releases Smooth Ambler Old Scout High-Rye Single Barrel

Last Updated on March 30, 2021 by 5e2793

PUBLISH DATE: April 2, 2021

The Bourbon Club of Arkansas (BCA) marked an early milestone in its barrel selection history with the release of a Smooth Ambler Old Scout (SAOS) Single Barrel, a high-rye straight bourbon bottled in spring 2021. Though released after a Woodford Reserve pick, this barrel was selected earlier—earning its place as part of what BCA affectionately referred to as the Trifecta of early club selections.

Barrel & Release Details

• Distillery / Brand: Smooth Ambler – Old Scout
• Source: MGP (Indiana)
• Age: 5 years
• Proof: 111.8 proof (55.9% ABV)
• Mash Bill: 36% High Rye
• Barrel Number: #28903
• Yield: 22 cases
• Filtration: Non-Chill-Filtered (NCF)

The barrel was officially bottled in late May 2021, delivering a bold, spice-forward bourbon that quickly stood out among early Arkansas club picks.

Tasting Notes (As Shared by BCA)

This high-rye bourbon showcased a classic Old Scout profile with added depth from its non-chill-filtered presentation.

• Color: Medium amber
• Nose: Baking spices, burnt caramel, baking chocolate, light charred oak, and tobacco
• Palate: Spicy entry with vanilla, leather, and nutty notes on the chew; moderate heat on the tip of the tongue followed by sugared cinnamon graham cracker sweetness
• Finish: Lingering vanilla and burnt caramel with a subtle, savory “funk”—described as reminiscent of dry-aged meat—that added character and kept tasters coming back

Despite its relatively young age, this 5-year bourbon delivered intensity and structure often found in older expressions, earning a place among the club’s top early selections.

Pro Tip: Let It Breathe

Because this release was non-chill-filtered, BCA recommended allowing the bourbon to breathe before diving in. A brief rest in the glass (15–20 minutes) or gently mixing the bottle prior to pouring helped integrate sediment and soften ethanol on the nose—especially important for high-rye, higher-proof whiskies.

Background: Smooth Ambler Spirits

Founded in 2009 in Maxwelton, West Virginia, Smooth Ambler Spirits was created by John Little and Norman Baker with a focus on transparency, traditional methods, and Appalachian identity. Like many young craft distilleries of the era, Smooth Ambler initially sourced mature bourbon and rye—most notably from MGP in Indiana—while their own distillate aged.

Rather than obscure the sourcing, Smooth Ambler leaned into it. Detailed labeling, barrel numbers, age statements, and proof disclosures helped build trust at a time when transparency in sourced whiskey was far from common.

The Rise of Old Scout

The Old Scout label quickly became one of the most respected sourced-whiskey brands of the early 2010s. Known for:

• High-rye mash bills
• Barrel-proof or near-barrel-proof bottlings
• Minimal processing and frequent non-chill filtration

Old Scout single barrels developed a cult following among bourbon clubs and enthusiasts, making them prime candidates for private selections like this Bourbon Club of Arkansas release.

From Sourced to Self-Distilled

Smooth Ambler began distilling its own whiskey in 2011, gradually transitioning toward estate-produced bourbon and rye while continuing to release Old Scout bottlings. Over time, the portfolio expanded to include products such as Contradiction Bourbon (a blend of sourced and in-house whiskey) and Big Level Wheat Whiskey.

In 2016, Smooth Ambler was acquired by Pernod Ricard, providing expanded distribution and long-term stability while maintaining production in West Virginia.

Why This Barrel Matters

This Smooth Ambler Old Scout pick helped establish the Bourbon Club of Arkansas’ reputation for selecting assertive, character-driven barrels early in the club’s history. For many members, it set the tone for what Arkansas whiskey enthusiasts could expect from future BCA releases: bold proof, honest flavor, and thoughtfully chosen barrels.

Source: Gary Penna

April 2, 2021
Facebook

“Great news Barrel #28093 SAOS
55.9% abv. 5 years old. 22 cases.
It was bottled this am!!”

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Source: Gary Penna

May 29, 2021
Facebook

“SAOS Smooth Ambler Old Scout
111.8 proof/55.9% abv
MGP 5 yr Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Barrel # 28903
36% High Rye

This is technically our 3rd club pick, even though the Woodford came in before it. This barrel was chosen prior to that one. Hence the ‘Trifecta’.

As with most high ryes these can be spicy on the initial nose and palate. A lot of times it can come across as ethanol forward. As you let it sit in the glass that begins to fade away. A neck pour can lead to this as well because this is an NCF (Non-Chill-Filtered) product. A good technique is to flip the bottle upside down a few times to mix the bourbon then opening it and pouring it and then letting it sit for 15–20 minutes before you nose or taste it.

The reason for this is because the non-chill filtered bourbon and all its sediment fall to the bottom of the bottle since it is heavier.

However I always try it both ways when I drink it for the first time. I pour out of the neck, smell, taste it and then flip the bottle upside down a few times and then re-taste it.

Color: Medium Amber
Nose: Baking spices burnt caramel, baking chocolate, light charred oak, tobacco
Palate: Spicy, Vanilla, Leather, Nutty flavor on the chew. Moderate burn on the tip of the tongue. Sugared/cinnamon graham cracker on the backside that is still pleasant and there. Nice solid throat and chest burn, but it dissipated quickly. I love strong whiskies.
Finish: Same Vanilla and some burnt caramel. I also detected a little bit of a funk, almost like a dry aged cut of meat, but it was rather welcoming. It gave it a bite that had me coming back for more. Lasted a long time!

Overall: This is in my top two of our picks. I love the youthful exuberance of a fairly young whiskey (5 yrs), but it packs the punch of some much older favorites from this year.

Recommendations: Let it breathe, breathe, breathe… beforehand. Mix up the bottle, open it, and let it sit in your glass for 15–20 minutes.”