Penelope Four Grain Bourbon 750ML

Penelope Four Grain Bourbon 750ML is a straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) that incorporates corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley in a single expression. It earned Double Gold at the SIP Awards in both 2019 and 2020, along with a Silver medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, establishing it as one of the more decorated bourbons in its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA  |  Minimum 3 Years Old  |  Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery

Production & Heritage

Penelope Four Grain is distilled at the Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a facility with deep roots in American whiskey production. The bourbon is blended from three distinct mash bills that together yield a combined grain profile of 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, and 3% malted barley — a formula that gives it both the softness associated with wheated bourbons and the spice kick typical of high-rye recipes. The liquid matures for a minimum of 36 months in new American oak barrels with #4 char staves and #2 char heads, then is bottled non-chill filtered to preserve its full range of flavor compounds.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe stone fruit — apricot, peach, and mango — rises first, followed by classic bourbon markers of vanilla and caramel. A light oak backbone and subtle savory undertone round out a surprisingly dynamic nose for an 80-proof bourbon.

Taste: The entry is soft and approachable, with butterscotch and honey leading the way. Mid-palate, candied sweetness gives way to nectarine and cantaloupe notes, joined by a savory vanilla thread. Slight berry and citrus accents emerge as the palate develops, adding welcome complexity.

Finish: Medium in length with a gentle texture, closing on buttercream frosting and warm cornbread. A lingering vanilla-spice warmth stays with you, rewarding slow sipping.

How to Drink Penelope Four Grain

At 80 proof, this bourbon drinks comfortably neat or over a single large ice cube, which opens up the stone fruit aromatics without drowning the finish. It also performs remarkably well in cocktails:

• Old Fashioned — The natural butterscotch and vanilla sweetness reduces the need for heavy sugar, letting the four-grain complexity shine through.
• Whiskey Sour — Citrus and berry undertones in the bourbon complement fresh lemon juice and create a balanced, fruit-forward drink.
• Paper Plane — The softer wheat influence and lower proof make it a smooth foundation alongside Aperol and Amaro Nonino without alcohol heat dominating.

Best For

• Bourbon newcomers exploring beyond single-grain expressions
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who appreciates unusual mash bills
• Building a home bar with a versatile cocktail bourbon
• Side-by-side tastings comparing wheated, high-rye, and four-grain styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Penelope Four Grain taste like? Penelope Four Grain delivers a soft, sweet profile led by butterscotch, honey, and stone fruit, balanced by light spice and a buttercream finish. The four-grain mash bill creates a layered flavor that bridges the gap between wheated and rye-forward bourbons.

How does Penelope Four Grain compare to Basil Hayden Bourbon? Both are premium bourbons bottled at 80 proof, but they achieve that approachability differently: Basil Hayden leans into its high-rye mash bill for peppery dryness, while Penelope Four Grain uses wheat alongside rye to produce a noticeably sweeter, fruitier character. Drinkers who prefer caramel and stone fruit over rye spice will generally favor Penelope.

Is Penelope Four Grain good for sipping neat? Yes — the non-chill-filtered bottling preserves a fuller mouthfeel than many 80-proof bourbons, and the gentle proof means minimal burn, making it an easy neat pour even for relatively new whiskey drinkers.

Where is Penelope Four Grain made? It is distilled at the Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a historically significant whiskey-producing region in southeastern Indiana known for supplying liquid to numerous American bourbon brands.

What foods pair well with Penelope Four Grain? Grilled peaches or stone-fruit desserts echo its dominant fruit notes. Smoked pork shoulder complements the caramel and oak. Aged cheddar or Gouda highlights the butterscotch sweetness. Cornbread with honey butter mirrors the finish almost exactly. Dark chocolate with sea salt provides a bittersweet counterpoint to the bourbon's candied palate.

What sizes does Penelope Four Grain come in? The standard expression is widely available in a 750ml bottle, which is the most common format on the market.

Is Penelope Four Grain worth the price? Penelope Four Grain positions as a mid-range bourbon that punches above its weight, particularly given its multiple SIP Awards Double Gold medals and non-chill-filtered production — features more commonly found in higher-priced expressions.

Why Penelope Four Grain?

The four-grain concept is not just a marketing angle — blending three separate mash bills to unite corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley in a single bottle produces a genuinely distinct flavor profile that neither a wheated nor a rye-forward bourbon can replicate alone. Back-to-back Double Gold wins at the SIP Awards, combined with recognition from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a 93-point score from both the Denver and New York International Spirits Competitions, confirm that the approach translates to the glass. The non-chill-filtered bottling at a restrained 80 proof makes it one of the more texturally rewarding bourbons at its strength. For drinkers looking to step outside the traditional two-grain secondary conversation, Penelope Four Grain is a serious and well-documented starting point.