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Penelope Four Grain vs Rowan's Creek
Comparing Penelope Four Grain and Rowan's Creek reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a traditional, even-keeled Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Rowan's Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 100.1 proof (50.0% ABV) +20 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$10 less | ~$40 – $50 |
- Penelope Four Grain and Rowan's Creek do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Rowan's Creek
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Rowan's Creek
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 3/7 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 7 out of 10
heat 2/5 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/2 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 2 out of 10
oak 3/4 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 4 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Rowan's Creek 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.
- Rowan's Creek: A small-batch Willett bottling that tastes rye-forward and herbal. Honey and caramel sit under mint, hay and warm spice, with a peppermint lift on the finish.
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 Rowan's Creek if you want an herbal, minty, rye-forward Willett bottling with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Rowan's Creek).