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Penelope Four Grain vs Stagg
Comparing Penelope Four Grain and Stagg reveals a matchup between a sourced, even-keeled blend and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Stagg |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley | 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 130 proof (65% ABV) +50 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$60 less | ~$70 – $120 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Penelope Four Grain and Stagg do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Stagg
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Stagg
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/10 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Stagg 10 out of 10
oak 3/9 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Stagg 9 out of 10
spice 3/7 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Stagg 7 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Stagg 7 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Stagg 5 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Stagg 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Proof and heat dominate the difference.
- 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.
- Stagg: Uncut and unfiltered Buffalo Trace at a proof that demands respect. Dark chocolate, espresso and charred oak arrive with genuine heat, and a few drops of water unlock a surprising amount of fruit.
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 Stagg if you want the biggest, hottest, most concentrated expression of the Buffalo Trace profile with significantly more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); neat (Stagg).