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Penelope Four Grain vs Evan Williams Black Label
Comparing Penelope Four Grain and Evan Williams Black Label reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Evan Williams Black Label |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 86 proof (43% ABV) +6 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 | ~$14 – $18 ~$19 less |
- Penelope Four Grain 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 Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Evan Williams Black Label
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Evan Williams Black Label
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 3/5 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 5 out of 10
spice 3/4 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Evan Williams Black Label 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating here.
- 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.
- Evan Williams Black Label: The everyday black label, and a perfectly competent well bourbon. Softer and sweeter than the bonded version, with less to say but nothing objectionable.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well.
- Go with Evan Williams Black Label if you want a dependable, inexpensive mixing bourbon and nothing more complicated than that at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); cocktails, highball, rocks (Evan Williams Black Label).