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Penelope Four Grain vs Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Penelope Four Grain and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: a blender-built, classically built bottling versus an undiluted barrel-strength pour.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 13 years |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 123.8 proof (61.9% ABV) +44 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$215 less | ~$200 – $300 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Penelope Four Grain and Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/8 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
oak 3/8 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
spice 3/6 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/8 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 8 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- 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 13 Year Barrel Proof: Thirteen-year Wild Turkey at full barrel proof, uncut and unfiltered. Cola, molasses and fruit cobbler sit on deep, charred oak, and each release carries its own proof.
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 and without hunting for it.
- Go with Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof if you want an old, uncut Wild Turkey with cola, cobbler and serious oak.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); neat (Russell’s Reserve 13 Year Barrel Proof).