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E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch vs Penelope Four Grain
Comparing E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch and Penelope Four Grain reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch | Penelope Four Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | 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 | 100 proof (50% ABV) +20 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $90 | ~$30 – $40 ~$33 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch and Penelope Four Grain do not publish an official mash bill.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
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 7/3 oak: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 7 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
heat 5/2 heat: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch: Bottled-in-bond from the same low-rye Buffalo Trace recipe, and the extra 10 proof over standard BT gives it noticeably more grip. Butterscotch and tobacco with a long, drying finish that outlasts most bottles near its shelf price.
- 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 E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch if you want the Buffalo Trace house profile with real structure and a bonded 100-proof backbone.
- 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, rocks, old-fashioned (E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).