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Penelope Four Grain vs Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Comparing Penelope Four Grain and Maker’s Mark Cask Strength reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and an uncut, wheated heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Maker’s Mark Cask Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| 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) | 110 proof (55% ABV) +30 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$10 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- 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 Cask Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Maker’s Mark Cask Strength
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/7 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/9 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 9 out of 10
oak 3/5 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10
spice 3/3 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 3 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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 Cask Strength: Undiluted Maker's, and the version that finally gives the wheated recipe some weight. Dense caramel and honey with real warmth, and one of the more affordable cask-strength bottles anywhere.
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 Cask Strength if you want wheated sweetness at full strength for well under what most cask-strength bourbons cost.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); neat, rocks (Maker’s Mark Cask Strength).