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Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon vs Penelope Four Grain
Comparing Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon and Penelope Four Grain reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon | 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 | 100 proof (50% ABV) +20 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$85 – $100 | ~$30 – $40 ~$58 less |
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon and Penelope Four Grain do not publish an official mash bill.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
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 6/3 oak: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
fruit 8/5 fruit: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
heat 5/2 heat: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
sweetness 8/6 sweetness: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
nuttiness 5/4 nuttiness: Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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 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 Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate with more proof behind it.
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).