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Penelope Four Grain vs Ancient Age
Put Penelope Four Grain next to Ancient Age and you have a sourced, corn-forward blend set against a classic, high-rye stalwart.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Ancient Age |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley | 75% corn, 15% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 | ~$14 – $18 ~$19 less |
- Penelope Four Grain and Ancient Age do not publish an official mash bill.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 Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Ancient Age
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Ancient Age
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Ancient Age 5 out of 10
spice 3/4 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
oak 3/3 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Ancient Age 3 out of 10
heat 2/2 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Ancient Age 2 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Ancient Age 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- Penelope Four Grain: A light, low-proof blend of corn, wheat, rye and barley. Honey, almond and orchard fruit keep it sweet and easy, though it reads young and thin when sipped neat.
- Ancient Age: The bottom rung of the Buffalo Trace ladder and priced accordingly. Thin and simple at 80 proof, but it is recognisably the Mash Bill #2 recipe and it does its job in a highball without complaint.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well.
- Go with Ancient Age if you want the cheapest honest mixer in the lineup and you are not drinking it neat.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); cocktails, highball (Ancient Age).