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Penelope Four Grain vs Old Forester Statesman
Comparing Penelope Four Grain and Old Forester Statesman reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Old Forester Statesman |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 95 proof (47.5% ABV) +15 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$18 less | ~$50 – $55 |
- 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.
Old Forester Statesman
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Old Forester Statesman
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 8 out of 10
spice 3/5 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10
oak 3/5 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 5 out of 10
fruit 5/7 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 7 out of 10
heat 2/4 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/2 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Old Forester Statesman 2 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- 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.
- Old Forester Statesman: Old Forester's fruit-forward middle child, first made for a spy movie tie-in. Bright cherry and brown sugar lead, with cocoa and a touch of the house banana note.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well at a lower price point.
- Go with Old Forester Statesman if you want a bright, cherry-sweet Old Forester that sits between the 100 and 1920 in weight with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); neat, rocks, old-fashioned (Old Forester Statesman).