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Old Forester 86 Proof vs Penelope Four Grain
Comparing Old Forester 86 Proof and Penelope Four Grain reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Forester 86 Proof | Penelope Four Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) +6 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$20 – $26 ~$12 less | ~$30 – $40 |
- 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
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Forester 86 Proof Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 5/3 spice: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
oak 4/3 oak: Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
heat 3/2 heat: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- Old Forester 86 Proof: The entry bottling and the cheapest way to meet the Old Forester banana-and-caramel signature. Thin at 86 proof, but it costs very little and mixes well.
- 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 Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well.
Best enjoyed cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).