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Penelope Four Grain vs Old Grand-Dad 114
Comparing Penelope Four Grain and Old Grand-Dad 114 reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Old Grand-Dad 114 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley | 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 114 proof (57% ABV) +34 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 | ~$28 – $35 |
- Penelope Four Grain and Old Grand-Dad 114 do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Old Grand-Dad 114
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Old Grand-Dad 114
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 3/9 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 9 out of 10
heat 2/8 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 8 out of 10
oak 3/6 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 6 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/5 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 6 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.
- Old Grand-Dad 114: The best proof-per-dollar in American whiskey and it is not especially close. The 27% rye mash at 114 proof is loud, peppery and completely unsubtle, which is exactly why it makes such a good old-fashioned.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well.
- Go with Old Grand-Dad 114 if you want maximum rye spice and proof for under thirty dollars.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Grand-Dad 114).