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Jefferson’s Very Small Batch vs Penelope Four Grain
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch and Penelope Four Grain sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: a sourced, classically built blend versus a blender-built, classically built bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jefferson’s Very Small Batch | Penelope Four Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Traditional Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 82.3 proof (41.1% ABV) +2 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $36 | ~$30 – $40 |
- Jefferson’s Very Small Batch and Penelope Four Grain do not publish an official mash bill.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 Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jefferson’s Very Small Batch Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/3 spice: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
oak 4/3 oak: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 3 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
heat 2/2 heat: Jefferson’s Very Small Batch 2 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- 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 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 Jefferson’s Very Small Batch if you want an especially soft, low-proof pour and gentleness matters more than intensity.
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well.
Best enjoyed rocks, cocktails, highball (Jefferson’s Very Small Batch); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).