Compare
Penelope Four Grain vs Maker’s Mark 46
Comparing Penelope Four Grain and Maker’s Mark 46 reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Maker’s Mark 46 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley | 70% corn, 16% wheat, 14% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 94 proof (47% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$7 less | ~$38 – $45 |
- 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.
Maker’s Mark 46
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Maker’s Mark 46
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 3/7 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 8 out of 10
heat 2/4 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
spice 3/4 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Maker’s Mark 46 3 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.
- Maker’s Mark 46: Finished with seared French oak staves inside the barrel, which adds the spice and wood that the standard bottling deliberately lacks. The most useful upgrade in the Maker's range.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Maker’s Mark 46 if you want the softness of Maker's Mark with real oak and spice layered over it with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Maker’s Mark 46).