Compare
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength vs Penelope Four Grain
Comparing Maker’s Mark Cask Strength and Penelope Four Grain reveals a matchup between an uncut, wheated heavyweight and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Maker’s Mark Cask Strength | Penelope Four Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 110 proof (55% ABV) +30 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$30 – $40 ~$10 less |
- Penelope Four Grain 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
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Maker’s Mark Cask Strength Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 7/2 heat: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 7 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
sweetness 9/6 sweetness: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 9 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
oak 5/3 oak: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
spice 3/3 spice: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- Maker’s Mark Cask Strength: Undiluted Maker's, and the version that finally gives the wheated recipe some weight. Dense caramel and honey with real warmth, and one of the more affordable cask-strength bottles anywhere.
- 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 Maker’s Mark Cask Strength if you want wheated sweetness at full strength for well under what most cask-strength bourbons cost.
- 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 (Maker’s Mark Cask Strength); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).