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1792 Small Batch vs Penelope Four Grain
Comparing 1792 Small Batch and Penelope Four Grain reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | 1792 Small Batch | Penelope Four Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 93.7 proof (46.9% ABV) +14 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$26 – $34 ~$5 less | ~$30 – $40 |
- 1792 Small Batch and Penelope Four Grain do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
1792 Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
1792 Small Batch Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/3 spice: 1792 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
oak 6/3 oak: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
heat 5/2 heat: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: 1792 Small Batch 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: 1792 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: 1792 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 1792 Small Batch: Barton's flagship and one of the most under-discussed bottles at its price. A high-rye character with cocoa and orange peel, and considerably more going on than the shelf position suggests.
- Penelope Four Grain: A light, low-proof blend of corn, wheat, rye and barley. Honey, almond and orchard fruit keep it sweet and easy, though it reads young and thin when sipped neat.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with 1792 Small Batch if you want an overlooked, spice-forward Kentucky bourbon that punches above its price with more proof behind it.
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (1792 Small Batch); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).