Four grain bourbons are still relatively uncommon in a market dominated by traditional corn-rye-barley or corn-wheat-barley mashbills, so Penelope Four Grain Straight Bourbon immediately has my attention. This one uses corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley — all four major American whiskey grains in a single mashbill. That's not just a marketing gimmick. Each grain genuinely contributes something different to the final spirit, and when a distiller gets the ratios right, you end up with a bourbon that has more dimension than most bottles at this price point.
Let me explain why that matters. Corn brings the sweetness — that's the backbone of any bourbon, and legally it has to make up at least 51% of the mashbill. Rye adds spice and structure, giving the whiskey bite and complexity. Wheat softens everything, rounding out harsh edges and contributing a gentle, almost bready quality. And malted barley provides the enzymes needed for fermentation while also adding nutty, biscuit-like character. Put all four together and you get a bourbon that's trying to be everything at once. The trick is balance, and at 40% ABV, Penelope keeps things approachable without thinning out the flavour too much.
Tasting Notes
I won't pretend to give you a detailed breakdown of every aroma and flavour here — I'd rather you discover those yourself. What I will say is that four grain bourbons tend to sit in an interesting middle ground. They're neither as sharp and peppery as a high-rye bourbon nor as pillowy soft as a wheated one. Expect something that weaves between those two styles, with the malted barley adding a layer of depth you don't always find in everyday bourbons. At this ABV, it's gentle enough for newcomers but has enough going on to keep experienced drinkers interested.
The Verdict
At £36.95, Penelope Four Grain is genuinely good value. You're getting a straight bourbon — meaning it's been aged at least two years with no added flavouring or colouring — that offers something a bit different from the usual suspects. The NAS (no age statement) designation means they're blending barrels of different ages to hit a flavour profile rather than chasing a number on the label, which is a perfectly valid approach and one that often produces more consistent results.
I'm giving this a 7.7 out of 10. It's a well-made bourbon that delivers on its four grain promise without overcomplicating things. It's not going to compete with cask-strength single barrels twice its price, and it doesn't need to. What it does is provide an accessible, interesting pour that gives you a genuine reason to reach for it over the dozens of other bourbons in this price range. The four grain mashbill isn't just a label claim — you can taste the complexity it brings, and that's what makes Penelope worth a spot on your shelf.
Best Served
This is an Old Fashioned bourbon if I've ever tasted one. The multi-grain complexity gives you enough flavour to stand up to a sugar cube and a couple of dashes of Angostura without disappearing. Build it over a large ice cube with an orange peel — the citrus oils complement the grain sweetness beautifully. If cocktails aren't your thing, pour it neat or with a single ice cube. At 40% ABV it doesn't need water, but a bit of chill opens it up nicely on a warm evening.
