Compare
Barrell Foundation Bourbon vs Penelope Four Grain
Comparing Barrell Foundation Bourbon and Penelope Four Grain reveals a matchup between a sourced, spice-driven blend and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Barrell Foundation Bourbon | Penelope Four Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | 5 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) +20 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$50 – $60 | ~$30 – $40 ~$20 less |
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon and Penelope Four Grain do not publish an official mash bill.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 Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Barrell Foundation Bourbon Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/3 spice: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
oak 6/3 oak: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
heat 5/2 heat: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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 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 Barrell Foundation Bourbon if you want an approachable, 100-proof Barrell blend that still shows off multi-state blending.
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).