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Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel vs Penelope Four Grain
Put Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel next to Penelope Four Grain and you have a classic, corn-forward stalwart set against a blender-built, corn-forward bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel | 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 | 94 proof (47% ABV) +14 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$60 – $80 | ~$30 – $40 ~$35 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 Toasted Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 9/3 oak: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 9 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 8 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
heat 4/2 heat: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
nuttiness 5/4 nuttiness: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel: Finished in a second toasted (not charred) barrel, which produces an unmistakable toasted-marshmallow note. Sweet and heavily wooded, and one of the more distinctive finishes any major producer makes.
- 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 Toasted Barrel if you want a distinctive toasted-oak, marshmallow-sweet finish you will not find in a standard bourbon with more proof behind it.
- 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 (Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).