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Johnny Drum Private Stock vs Penelope Four Grain
Comparing Johnny Drum Private Stock and Penelope Four Grain reveals a matchup between a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Johnny Drum Private Stock | 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 | 101 proof (50.5% ABV) +21 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$35 – $45 | ~$30 – $40 ~$5 less |
- Johnny Drum Private Stock and Penelope Four Grain do not publish an official mash bill.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
Johnny Drum Private Stock
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Johnny Drum Private Stock Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/3 spice: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
heat 5/2 heat: Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
oak 5/3 oak: Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- Johnny Drum Private Stock: An old-school Willett label at 101 proof. Oily and dessert-like, with baked apple, almond and custard, and rye-like mint and spice on the finish.
- 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 Johnny Drum Private Stock if you want an oily, dessert-like 101-proof pour with old-school Willett character.
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).