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Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve vs Penelope Architect
Comparing Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve and Penelope Architect reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve | Penelope Architect |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | 9 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 120 proof (60% ABV) +16 proof | 104 proof (52% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 ~$15 less | ~$60 – $70 |
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve does 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
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Architect
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve Penelope Architect
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
nuttiness 7/3 nuttiness: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10, Penelope Architect 3 out of 10
oak 8/5 oak: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10, Penelope Architect 5 out of 10
fruit 3/6 fruit: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 3 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
heat 8/6 heat: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 8 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 6 out of 10, Penelope Architect 7 out of 10
spice 7/6 spice: Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve 7 out of 10, Penelope Architect 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The house grain character is what splits these.
- Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve: The same nine-year Knob Creek juice bottled from a single barrel at 120 proof, and the extra strength suits it. Everything the standard bottling does, turned up — with the barrel-to-barrel variation that comes with the format.
- Penelope Architect: Penelope's four-grain blend finished with French oak staves chosen for their tannin. The French oak adds berry, cherry and warm spice to a vanilla-heavy base.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve if you want the Beam profile at serious proof for well under what most barrel-strength bourbons cost.
- Go with Penelope Architect if you want a four-grain bourbon with a French oak finish that adds berries and warm spice.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect).