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Penelope Architect vs Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Comparing Penelope Architect and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Architect | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 13 years |
| Proof | 104 proof (52% ABV) | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +20 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$60 – $70 ~$185 less | ~$200 – $300 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 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.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Architect Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 5/8 oak: Penelope Architect 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
heat 6/8 heat: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Penelope Architect 7 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
spice 6/6 spice: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
fruit 6/6 fruit: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Penelope Architect 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof: Thirteen-year Wild Turkey at full barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Cola, molasses and fruit cobbler sit on deep, charred oak, and each release carries its own proof.
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 Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect); neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof).