Compare
Penelope Architect vs Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond
Comparing Penelope Architect and Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Architect | Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, 3% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 4 years |
| Proof | 104 proof (52% ABV) +4 proof | 100 proof (50% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$60 – $70 | ~$16 – $22 ~$46 less |
- Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 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.
Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Architect Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
fruit 6/4 fruit: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10
sweetness 7/6 sweetness: Penelope Architect 7 out of 10, Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 6 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10
heat 6/5 heat: Penelope Architect 6 out of 10, Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Penelope Architect 3 out of 10, Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 4 out of 10
oak 5/5 oak: Penelope Architect 5 out of 10, Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The fruit-versus-grain contrast drives this one.
- 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.
- Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond: A bonded 100-proof bourbon at a price that barely seems possible, though distribution is patchy outside Kentucky. Unremarkable in the best way: it does everything a bourbon should and nothing extra.
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.
- Go with Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond if you want a bonded Kentucky bourbon for under twenty dollars, if you can find it in your state.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Architect); neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Very Old Barton Bottled-in-Bond).