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Russell’s Reserve 10 Year vs Penelope Four Grain
Comparing Russell’s Reserve 10 Year and Penelope Four Grain reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a blender-built, even-keeled bottling.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Russell’s Reserve 10 Year | Penelope Four Grain |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Four-Grain Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, 3% malted barley |
| Age | 10 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) +10 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$40 – $50 | ~$30 – $40 ~$10 less |
- Penelope Four Grain does not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Four Grain
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Penelope Four Grain
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 8/3 oak: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 8 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
spice 6/3 spice: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 3 out of 10
heat 4/2 heat: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 2 out of 10
fruit 4/5 fruit: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 4 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 3 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 4 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Russell’s Reserve 10 Year 6 out of 10, Penelope Four Grain 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Barrel influence is the main separator.
- 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.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- 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.
- Go with Penelope Four Grain if you want an easy, light, honeyed bourbon that mixes well at a slightly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks (Russell’s Reserve 10 Year); highball, cocktails (Penelope Four Grain).