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Michter's US*1 Small Batch vs Penelope Four Grain
Michter's US*1 Small Batch and Penelope Four Grain sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: a sourced, classically built blend versus a blender-built, classically built bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Michter's US*1 Small Batch | 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 | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) +11 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$45 – $55 | ~$30 – $40 ~$15 less |
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch and Penelope Four Grain do not publish an official mash bill.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
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Michter's US*1 Small Batch Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 5/3 oak: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
spice 4/3 spice: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
heat 3/2 heat: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
- 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 Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges with more proof behind it.
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).