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Jefferson’s Very Small Batch vs Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Comparing Jefferson’s Very Small Batch and Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and an uncut, spice-driven heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson’s Very Small Batch | Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 70% corn, 25% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) | 115.2 proof (57.6% ABV) +33 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $36 ~$31 less | ~$60 – $65 |
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 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
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/8 heat: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 8 out of 10
spice 4/7 spice: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
oak 4/7 oak: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch: A blend of sourced barrels bottled at a very gentle 82.3 proof. Easy and inoffensive, but thin enough that it is hard to recommend over bonded bottles costing less.
- Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year: Penelope's uncut flagship, now with a seven-year age statement. It is richer and spicier than the Four Grain, with caramel and rye spice carried by a lot of proof.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jefferson’s Very Small Batch if you want an especially soft, low-proof pour and gentleness matters more than intensity at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year if you want a well-priced, seven-year, uncut blend with real depth and spice with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year).