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Elijah Craig Barrel Proof vs Penelope Four Grain
Comparing Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Penelope Four Grain reveals a matchup between an uncut, cask-strength bruiser and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig 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 | 12 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 124 proof (62% ABV) +44 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$70 – $100 | ~$30 – $40 ~$50 less |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available easier to find |
- Penelope Four Grain 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
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 9/2 heat: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
oak 9/3 oak: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 9 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
spice 7/3 spice: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 7 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Elijah Craig Barrel Proof: The uncut, unfiltered version of the same 12-year Heaven Hill juice, and the intensity is the whole point. Thick fudge and char with cinnamon heat, a genuinely long finish, and enough proof that water meaningfully changes the glass.
- 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 Elijah Craig Barrel Proof if you want maximum intensity and oak depth, and you want to control the dilution yourself.
- 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 (Elijah Craig Barrel Proof); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).