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Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B vs Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Comparing Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year reveals a matchup between a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple and an uncut, spice-driven heavyweight.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B | Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | 70% corn, 25% rye, 5% malted barley |
| Age | 12 years +5 yr | 7 years |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) | 115.2 proof (57.6% ABV) +25 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$170 – $900 | ~$60 – $65 ~$473 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Widely available easier to find |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B does 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
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/8 heat: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 8 out of 10
spice 3/7 spice: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
oak 6/7 oak: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 7 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
- Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year: Penelope's uncut flagship, now with a seven-year age statement. It is richer and spicier than the Four Grain, with caramel and rye spice carried by a lot of proof.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line with an older age statement.
- Go with Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year if you want a well-priced, seven-year, uncut blend with real depth and spice without hunting for it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B); neat, old-fashioned (Penelope Barrel Strength 7 Year).