The “white label” flagship shelf-stable bottle of the Penelope line, the Four Grain under review is from an older batch before a minimum 4-year age statement was put on the label (instead this bottle says it’s a “minimum of 26 months” old). The non-chill filtered 80 proof (40% ABV) bourbon is made from a blend of three bourbons, two with rye and one wheated with a collective a mash bill of 75% corn, 15% wheat, 7% rye, and 3% malted barley and aged in new American White Oak barrels with #4 char staves and #2 char on the heads.
This review is based on multiple spaced out tasting sessions conducted over the past nearly 14 months using Glencairn and Denver & Liely Bourbon glasses with varying aeration times.
COLOR: Gold
AROMA PROFILE: Sweet corn bread, light green apple, creamy caramel mixed with sweet vanilla, oak/barrel notes, orange compote & zest, light baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg).
PALATE: Quite creamy initially, especially for the proof – Caramel, vanilla, light green apple, sweet toffee, rye spice & black pepper, & oak tannins on the finish. The creamy sweetness becomes more prominent the longer the bottle aerates.
FINISH: 5 seconds
MOUTHFEEL/VISCOSITY: Medium-short viscosity in the glass & across the palate
VALUE: Affordable easy & pleasant sipping bourbon perfect for those just getting into the spirit.
ALWAYS ON SHELF/BUY AGAIN? Probably not, only because my bourbon palate has shifted towards higher proofs, but I’d pick this up for a group gathering.
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