Compare
Four Roses Small Batch Select vs Penelope Architect
Comparing Four Roses Small Batch Select and Penelope Architect reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Four Roses Small Batch Select | Penelope Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 60% corn, 35% rye, 5% malted barley | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | 6 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 104 proof (52% ABV) | 104 proof (52% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$55 – $65 ~$5 less | ~$60 – $70 |
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Four Roses Small Batch Select
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Architect
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Four Roses Small Batch Select Penelope Architect
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 8/6 fruit: Four Roses Small Batch Select 8 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Four Roses Small Batch Select 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 7 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: Four Roses Small Batch Select 7 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Four Roses Small Batch Select 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 5 out of 10
heat 6/6 heat: Four Roses Small Batch Select 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Four Roses Small Batch Select 3 out of 10, Penelope Architect 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- Four Roses Small Batch Select: Six recipes, non-chill-filtered, at 104 proof, and the most complete thing Four Roses makes at a normal price. The house fruit character with enough proof and texture to carry it.
- Penelope Architect: Penelope's four-grain blend finished with French oak staves chosen for their tannin. The French oak adds berry, cherry and warm spice to a vanilla-heavy base.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Four Roses Small Batch Select if you want the fullest expression of the Four Roses fruit-forward style without chasing an allocated bottle at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Penelope Architect if you want a four-grain bourbon with a French oak finish that adds berries and warm spice.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Four Roses Small Batch Select); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect).