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Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon vs Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Comparing Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon and Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and an uncut, spice-driven heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon | 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 | 100 proof (50% ABV) | 115.2 proof (57.6% ABV) +15 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$85 – $100 | ~$60 – $65 ~$30 less |
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 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
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 8/5 fruit: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 5 out of 10
heat 5/8 heat: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 8 out of 10
spice 5/7 spice: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
nuttiness 5/3 nuttiness: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 3 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Fruit character is what sets these apart.
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon: Finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Cognac casks. The casks layer dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate over the bourbon and leave a long, clove-spiced finish.
- 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 Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate.
- Go with Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year if you want a well-priced, seven-year, uncut blend with real depth and spice.
Best enjoyed neat (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year).