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Penelope Four Grain vs Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Comparing Penelope Four Grain and Barrell Foundation Bourbon reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a blender-built, spice-driven bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Barrell Foundation Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley | 73% corn, 23% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 5 years |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +20 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$20 less | ~$50 – $60 |
- Penelope Four Grain and Barrell Foundation Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Barrell Foundation Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 3/6 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
oak 3/6 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
heat 2/5 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Barrell Foundation Bourbon 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- 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.
- Barrell Foundation Bourbon: Barrell's everyday bottle: a multi-state blend proofed down to 100 instead of bottled at cask strength. Creamy cake and vanilla up front, then a dry, rye-driven peppery finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well at a lower price point.
- Go with Barrell Foundation Bourbon if you want an approachable, 100-proof Barrell blend that still shows off multi-state blending.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Barrell Foundation Bourbon).