Compare
Penelope Four Grain vs Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Comparing Penelope Four Grain and Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and an uncut, cask-strength bruiser.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Four-Grain Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley | 68% corn, 18% rye, 14% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | 4 years |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 125.2 proof (62.6% ABV) +45 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$35 less | ~$65 – $75 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Limited |
- Penelope Four Grain and Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year do not publish an official mash bill.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.
Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 2/9 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 9 out of 10
spice 3/6 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 7 out of 10
oak 3/4 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 4 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/3 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year 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.
- Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year: Willett's own young distillate at full barrel proof. It is loud and sweet, all caramel corn, pastry and citrus, with a lot of heat for a four-year bourbon. Proof varies by batch.
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 Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year if you want a young, hot, barrel-proof pour that shows off Willett's own distillate.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); neat (Willett Family Estate Small Batch 4 Year).