When Legends Return

Blake Riber

Blake Riber

May 14, 2026


Today is one of those release days we've been excited to see for quite some time. John Little and John Foster founded and built Smooth Ambler Old Scout into one of the most sought after brands/bottles in the collectors world. I still reference their single barrels as taste profiles I'm chasing in our current picks. Together, they built a reputation for creating exceptional whiskeys that earned the admiration of whiskey lovers and industry heavyweights everywhere. Now, they’ve launched Little & Foster Whiskey Company — a new venture grounded in their shared passion, deep experience, and commitment to making distinctive, delicious spirits. More than just a whiskey brand, Little & Foster is the next chapter in their journey: a tribute to friendship, craft, and the kind of whiskey worth sharing.

 

Little & Foster’s Marriage of Mashbills Bourbon brings together the best of two worlds, blending a high-rye and a low-rye bourbon recipe, each aged over nine years. Non-chill-filtered and thoughtfully merged, this bourbon was crafted with careful attention to detail to ensure each component complements the other. The result is a remarkably balanced and fine bourbon, where spice, sweetness, and barrel come together seamlessly, showcasing both the patience behind its aging and the precision of its blend.

 

With the fan base they've built over the years, these bottles won't last long. 

 

The nose opens with dried apricot, vanilla bean, and soft pipe tobacco.
 
The palate is full-bodied, with a light touch of allspice before opening into orange peel toward the end of the sip.
 
The finish is long, warm, and evolving, but carries itself without the heat you might expect from 107 proof.