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Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof vs Penelope Four Grain
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Penelope Four Grain sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an undiluted barrel-strength pour versus a sourced, classically built blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof | Penelope Four Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 130.3 proof (65.2% ABV) +50 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$75 – $200 | ~$30 – $40 ~$103 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof and Penelope Four Grain do not publish an official mash bill.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
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof
A top 5 bottle.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/2 heat: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
oak 8/3 oak: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 8 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
nuttiness 6/4 nuttiness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof: E.H. Taylor straight from the barrel. Very hot and nutty, with toasted pecan, dark sugar and heavy oak; the proof changes with each batch.
- 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 Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof if you want a hot, nutty, barrel-proof Buffalo Trace bourbon.
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well at a significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
Best enjoyed neat (Colonel E.H. Taylor Barrel Proof); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).