Compare
Penelope Architect vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Comparing Penelope Architect and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Architect | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 104 proof (52% ABV) +14 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$60 – $70 ~$470 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 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.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Architect Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/3 spice: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
heat 6/3 heat: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Penelope Architect 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
oak 5/6 oak: Penelope Architect 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
fruit 6/5 fruit: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Penelope Architect 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
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 Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).