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- Stagg and Penelope Four Grain do not publish an official mash bill.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