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Basil Hayden’s vs Penelope Architect
Comparing Basil Hayden’s and Penelope Architect reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Basil Hayden’s | Penelope Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 104 proof (52% ABV) +24 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$38 – $45 ~$24 less | ~$60 – $70 |
- Basil Hayden’s does 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
Basil Hayden’s
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Architect
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Basil Hayden’s Penelope Architect
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/6 heat: Basil Hayden’s 2 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: Basil Hayden’s 5 out of 10, Penelope Architect 7 out of 10
oak 3/5 oak: Basil Hayden’s 3 out of 10, Penelope Architect 5 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Basil Hayden’s 5 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
spice 6/6 spice: Basil Hayden’s 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Basil Hayden’s 3 out of 10, Penelope Architect 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Basil Hayden’s: Built on the high-rye Old Grand-Dad mash but bottled at just 80 proof, which makes it the lightest thing in the Beam range by a distance. Peppery and herbal, but very thin — the price reflects the packaging more than the liquid.
- 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 Basil Hayden’s if you want an unusually light, peppery, low-proof pour and you do not want any weight in the glass at a 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 with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, highball (Basil Hayden’s); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect).