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Penelope Four Grain vs New Riff 8 Year
Comparing Penelope Four Grain and New Riff 8 Year reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a modern, spice-driven craft expression.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | New Riff 8 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley | 65% corn, 30% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 8 years |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +20 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$33 less | ~$65 – $70 |
- 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.
New Riff 8 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain New Riff 8 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 3/8 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, New Riff 8 Year 8 out of 10
oak 3/7 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, New Riff 8 Year 7 out of 10
heat 2/5 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, New Riff 8 Year 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, New Riff 8 Year 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, New Riff 8 Year 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, New Riff 8 Year 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line 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.
- New Riff 8 Year: The older, deeper version of New Riff's bonded bourbon. Same 30% rye recipe, but eight years add richer oak and darker sugar while keeping the spice front and center.
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 New Riff 8 Year if you want an older, deeper take on New Riff's spicy high-rye recipe with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); neat, old-fashioned (New Riff 8 Year).