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Penelope Four Grain vs Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Comparing Penelope Four Grain and Russell’s Reserve 10 Year reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Russell’s Reserve 10 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 10 years |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 90 proof (45% ABV) +10 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.
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 3/8 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 8 out of 10
spice 3/6 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10
heat 2/4 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10
fruit 5/4 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 3 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- Russell’s Reserve 10 Year: Ten years of Wild Turkey at a restrained 90 proof, which trades the 101's punch for polish. More oak and more composure, and one of the better age-stated bottles at its price.
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 Russell’s Reserve 10 Year if you want an age-stated, oak-forward Wild Turkey with the volume turned down with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); neat, rocks (Russell’s Reserve 10 Year).