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Penelope Four Grain vs Willett Pot Still Reserve
Comparing Penelope Four Grain and Willett Pot Still Reserve reveals a matchup between a blender-built, even-keeled bottling and a modern, even-keeled craft expression.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Penelope Four Grain | Willett Pot Still Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 94 proof (47% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$30 – $40 ~$18 less | ~$45 – $60 |
- Penelope Four Grain and Willett Pot Still Reserve do not publish an official mash bill.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 Pot Still Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Penelope Four Grain Willett Pot Still Reserve
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 3/6 oak: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10
spice 3/5 spice: Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 5 out of 10
heat 2/4 heat: Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 7 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 6 out of 10
nuttiness 4/4 nuttiness: Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10, Willett Pot Still Reserve 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating 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.
- Willett Pot Still Reserve: Famous first for the pot-still-shaped decanter and second for the whiskey, which is a fair ordering. Pleasant, sweet and fruit-leaning, with a good deal of the price attached to the glass.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well at a lower price point.
- Go with Willett Pot Still Reserve if you want a distinctive bottle on the shelf and an easy, fruit-forward pour inside it with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain); neat, rocks (Willett Pot Still Reserve).