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Barrell Foundation Bourbon vs Penelope Architect
Barrell Foundation Bourbon and Penelope Architect sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: a blender-built, rye-forward bottling versus a sourced, classically built blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Barrell Foundation Bourbon | Penelope Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 104 proof (52% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $60 ~$10 less | ~$60 – $70 |
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Architect
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Barrell Foundation Bourbon Penelope Architect
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 7 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 5 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
heat 5/6 heat: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
spice 6/6 spice: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 out of 10, Penelope Architect 3 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.
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon: Barrell's everyday bottle: a multi-state blend proofed down to 100 instead of bottled at cask strength. Creamy cake and vanilla up front, then a dry, rye-driven peppery finish.
- Penelope Architect: Penelope's four-grain blend finished with French oak staves chosen for their tannin. The French oak adds berry, cherry and warm spice to a vanilla-heavy base.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Barrell Foundation Bourbon if you want an approachable, 100-proof Barrell blend that still shows off multi-state blending at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Penelope Architect if you want a four-grain bourbon with a French oak finish that adds berries and warm spice.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect).