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Horse Soldier Barrel Strength vs Penelope Four Grain
Comparing Horse Soldier Barrel Strength and Penelope Four Grain reveals a matchup between an uncut, wheated heavyweight and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Horse Soldier Barrel Strength | Penelope Four Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 70% corn, 20% wheat, 10% malted barley | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 111 proof (55.5% ABV) +31 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$78 – $85 | ~$30 – $40 ~$47 less |
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength and Penelope Four Grain do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Four Grain
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Flavor Profile
Horse Soldier Barrel Strength Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 7/2 heat: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
oak 6/3 oak: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 3 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength: A barrel-strength wheater from the veteran-founded Horse Soldier brand. Brown sugar and toasted oak lead, baking spice and heat follow, and a splash of water pulls out darker fruit.
- 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 Horse Soldier Barrel Strength if you want a big, barrel-strength wheated bourbon with plenty of brown sugar and warmth.
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Horse Soldier Barrel Strength); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).