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Ancient Age vs Penelope Four Grain
Put Ancient Age next to Penelope Four Grain and you have a classic, high-rye stalwart set against a blender-built, corn-forward bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Ancient Age | Penelope Four Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$19 less | ~$30 – $40 |
- Ancient Age and Penelope Four Grain do not publish an official mash bill.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
Ancient Age
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Ancient Age Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/6 sweetness: Ancient Age 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Ancient Age 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Ancient Age 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
oak 3/3 oak: Ancient Age 3 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
heat 2/2 heat: Ancient Age 2 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Ancient Age 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- Ancient Age: The bottom rung of the Buffalo Trace ladder and priced accordingly. Thin and simple at 80 proof, but it is recognisably the Mash Bill #2 recipe and it does its job in a highball without complaint.
- 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 Ancient Age if you want the cheapest honest mixer in the lineup and you are not drinking it neat.
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball (Ancient Age); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).