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Penelope Four Grain vs Jim Beam Black
Comparing Penelope Four Grain and Jim Beam Black reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Jim Beam Black |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 7 years |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 86 proof (43% ABV) +6 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 | ~$22 – $28 ~$10 less |
- Penelope Four Grain and Jim Beam Black do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Jim Beam Black
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 3/6 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
fruit 5/3 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
nuttiness 4/6 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
spice 3/4 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well.
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going with slightly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black).