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Penelope Four Grain vs Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Comparing Penelope Four Grain and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +20 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$58 less | ~$85 – $100 |
- Penelope Four Grain and Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 3/6 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 6 out of 10
fruit 5/8 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
heat 2/5 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 8 out of 10
spice 3/5 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/5 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon 5 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.
- Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon: Finished in Oloroso sherry, Pedro Ximenez sherry and Cognac casks. The casks layer dried fruit, orange and dark chocolate over the bourbon and leave a long, clove-spiced finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon if you want a sherry-and-Cognac-finished bourbon full of dried fruit and dark chocolate with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); neat (Joseph Magnus Straight Bourbon).