Compare
Penelope Architect vs E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel
Comparing Penelope Architect and E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Architect | E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 104 proof (52% ABV) +4 proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$60 – $70 ~$40 less | ~$70 – $140 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel does 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
Penelope Architect
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Architect E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 5/8 oak: Penelope Architect 5 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 8 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Penelope Architect 7 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10
heat 6/5 heat: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Penelope Architect 3 out of 10, E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel: Single barrels from the warehouse Colonel Taylor built, bonded at 100 proof. More oak and more concentration than the small batch, and one of the most sought-after regular releases Buffalo Trace makes.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Penelope Architect if you want a four-grain bourbon with a French oak finish that adds berries and warm spice at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel if you want the most concentrated bonded expression of the Buffalo Trace profile, and the hunt does not deter you.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect); neat (E.H. Taylor Jr. Single Barrel).