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Johnny Drum Private Stock vs Penelope Rio
Comparing Johnny Drum Private Stock and Penelope Rio 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 Rio |
|---|---|---|
| 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) +3 proof | 98 proof (49% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$35 – $45 ~$50 less | ~$80 – $100 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Johnny Drum Private Stock does 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 Rio
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Johnny Drum Private Stock Penelope Rio
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/9 sweetness: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Penelope Rio 9 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10, Penelope Rio 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Johnny Drum Private Stock 4 out of 10, Penelope Rio 3 out of 10
spice 6/6 spice: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Penelope Rio 6 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Johnny Drum Private Stock 6 out of 10, Penelope Rio 6 out of 10
heat 5/5 heat: Johnny Drum Private Stock 5 out of 10, Penelope Rio 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Sweetness is where these two part ways.
- 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 Rio: Penelope's four-grain blend finished in honey barrels and then amburana wood. It tastes like a cinnamon roll: honey, gingerbread and sweet baking spice.
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 at a significantly lower price point and without hunting for it.
- Go with Penelope Rio if you want a honey-and-amburana-finished bourbon that tastes like a cinnamon roll.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Johnny Drum Private Stock); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Rio).