Compare
Penelope Architect vs Old Forester 86 Proof
Comparing Penelope Architect and Old Forester 86 Proof reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Architect | Old Forester 86 Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 104 proof (52% ABV) +18 proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 1 | ~$60 – $70 | ~$20 – $26 ~$42 less |
- 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.
Old Forester 86 Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Architect Old Forester 86 Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 6/3 heat: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Penelope Architect 7 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
oak 5/4 oak: Penelope Architect 5 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 4 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Penelope Architect 3 out of 10, Old Forester 86 Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- 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.
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 with more proof behind it.
- Go with Old Forester 86 Proof if you want the Old Forester house character at the lowest possible price.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect); cocktails, highball, rocks (Old Forester 86 Proof).