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Evan Williams Black Label vs Penelope Four Grain
Comparing Evan Williams Black Label and Penelope Four Grain reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Evan Williams Black Label | 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 | 86 proof (43% ABV) +6 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$14 – $18 ~$19 less | ~$30 – $40 |
- 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
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Evan Williams Black Label Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 5/3 oak: Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
heat 3/2 heat: Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating here.
- Evan Williams Black Label: The everyday black label, and a perfectly competent well bourbon. Softer and sweeter than the bonded version, with less to say but nothing objectionable.
- 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 Evan Williams Black Label if you want a dependable, inexpensive mixing bourbon and nothing more complicated than that at a lower price point.
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).