OHLQ Announces Smooth Ambler Single Barrel Selections - Hitting Shelves Week of 8/8

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control (OHLQ) has announced the release of thirteen barrels of single-barrel selections of Smooth Ambler appearing in stores this week (week of August 8). 

The thirteen barrels consist of nine barrels worth of Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon Barrel and four barrels worth of Smooth Ambler Old Scout Rye Single Barrel. All bottles carry a $49.99 + tax price. The tasting notes and proof for each barrel are:

Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon Barrel (60% corn, 36% rye and 4% malted barley)

• Barrel 24546 - 115.8 Proof - Sweet aromas of rich caramel and vanilla, cascading to finish marked by subtle spice
  
  
• Barrel 24550 - 116.2 Proof - Bright notes of candied cinnamon with a delicate, lingering finish
  
  
• Barrel 24760 - 110 Proof - Broad, savory viscosity blooming with flavors of warm nutmeg and allspice, dissipating to a symphony of holiday baking spices
  
  
• Barrel 35469 - 112.6 Proof - Lively notes of candied orange peel and vanilla bean, with a pleasant balance of sweet and tart essences
  
  
• Barrel 24514 - 114.4 Proof - Rich flavors of caramel-drizzled ripe banana, warm vanilla, and deep oak tones
  
  
• Barrel 24200 - 117.8 Proof - Subtle, balanced notes of wild honey and hints of citrus
  
  
• Barrel 24761 - 111.2 Proof - Reminiscent of a well-aged rye, with prominent spice and pepper overlayed by hints of vanilla
  
  
• Barrel 24576 - 110 Proof - Sweet aromas of toasted oak and bruleed sugar progressing to a broad palate of almond, nutmeg, soft cinnamon, and fall baking spices
  
  
• Barrel 34572 - 111.8 Proof - Bold, deep flavors of charred marshmallow, toasted oak, leather, and subtle pepper

Smooth Ambler Old Scout Rye Barrel (95% rye, 5% ?)

• Barrel 31730 - 115 Proof - Presents as a true rye, with bright notes of spice and pepper, balanced by a hint of vanilla sugar
  
  
• Barrel 31780 - 109.2 Proof - A broad palate of wild honey and lively spice
  
  
• Barrel 31758 - 116.2 Proof - Prominent aromas of orange zest, opening to a bright palate of spice and subtle sweetness
  
  
• Barrel  31748 - 114.8 Proof - Balanced, aromatic flavors of orange peel, demerara sugar, and subtle clove

It isn't known how many bottles are available, but to locate a bottle, use the OHLQ bottle finder - Bourbon / Rye.

My Take

I believe this is at least the third release of Smooth Ambler bottles exclusive to Ohio. The first time I wrote about them was in June of 2019 with the release of Smooth Ambler Big Level Wheated and Smooth Ambler Old Scout Single Barrel Select 13 Year Cask Strength. The second time was August of 2019 with Smooth Ambler Old Scout Single Barrel and now this release being the third. 

I've never had Smooth Ambler, but if I saw one of these bottles on the shelves, I'd be very tempted to pick it up at the $50 price. My only wish is that there was an age statement included. 

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below. 

Source: OHLQ