Smooth Ambler Old Scout Port Cask Finish is a straight rye whiskey finished in old tawny port casks, bottled non-chill filtered at 103 proof (51.5% ABV).
Smooth Ambler, of Maxwelton, West Virginia, scouts for great whiskey: Old Scout is a fine, curated rye sourced from Indiana, made from a 95% rye mash bill. Port cask finishing is an unusual choice for rye, and the combination of the rye's spice and herbal character with the oxidative dried fruit and wine tannin of tawny port creates a bridge between American grain spirit and Portuguese fortified wine.
The result is a more complex, fruit-forward rye than the unfinished Old Scout, with dried cherry, plum and tawny wine character over the rye, which remains intact beneath the finish.
A distinctive rye for the curious, it makes a fine gift.
American rye whiskey is made from a mash of at least 51% rye and aged in new charred oak, giving it a spicier, drier character than bourbon, with notes of pepper, herbs and baking spice.
Straight rye whiskey must be made from a mash of at least 51% rye and aged at least two years in new charred oak; at 95% rye, Old Scout is about as rye-forward as it gets.
Tawny port is a wood-aged fortified wine from Portugal's Douro Valley, and casks that held it pass on dried fruit and nutty, caramel notes.
Non-chill filtration keeps the whiskey's natural oils, and at 103 proof a splash of water opens up the fruit.
Tasting Notes
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Fruit: Dried cherry, plum and tawny wine.
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Grain: Rye spice and herbs.
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Strength: 103 proof, non-chill filtered.
Specifications
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Producer: Smooth Ambler Spirits
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Style: Straight Rye Whiskey, port cask finish
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Mash Bill: 95% rye (Indiana-sourced)
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Cask / Finish: Tawny port casks
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Proof / ABV: 103 proof (51.5% ABV)
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Region: Maxwelton, West Virginia, United States
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or with a splash of water, or try it in a Manhattan. It pairs with dark chocolate, blue cheese or fig tart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What finish is used?
Old tawny port casks.
Where is it from?
Smooth Ambler in Maxwelton, West Virginia, with rye sourced from Indiana.
What proof is it?
103 proof, non-chill filtered.
Explore more in our Rye collection.
