Penelope Bourbon - Barrel Strength - Batch 5
$55
Penelope Bourbon – Barrel Strength – Batch 5
Proof: 116
Age: Blend of 3 Bourbons at least 3 years
Distillery: MGP – Bottled by Penelope
Type: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mash: 4 Grain Blend (Corn, Rye, Wheat, Barley)
Website: Penelope Bourbon
*Disclaimer: A score of 5 is the midpoint for my reviews. Above 5 I like it. Below 5 I didn’t for some reason. Most of my reviews are between 4-7. It takes something really really special to go above 7 or below 4. See the methodologies for rating at the end of the article
Nose: Carmel Corn, Vanilla, Mild Rye, Earthy Grain, and Subtle Oak.
Taste/Palate: Very light palate, but not lacking flavor. Traditional Caramel, Vanilla, Oak, and Rye Spice. There’s a hint of light fruits Green Apple and Orange.
Finish: The Finish is a nice combination of characteristics above, but there’s some deeper notes that make their way to the surface. Charred Oak, Raisin, and a hint of Fresh Leather.
Verdict: Overall this was a pleasant sipper that presented itself as more mature and balanced than most 3 year old bourbons. I have heard good things about Penelope Bourbon and decided to give it a go. I admit I was apprehensive about the 3 year minimum age statement, but this was blended very well. My mind isn’t blown here, but this was a very solid pour for a 3 year. This dram was missing what many 10-15 year bourbons deliver and that’s more complex characteristics. This was light overall, with a decent amount of Octane, but well put together.
The Story: I pretty much put the story in the verdict section of this review, but I’ll expand. I have seen Penelope Bourbon many times in my travels through Indiana. I have always passed because there was a bottle or 4 that I wanted more. After hearing many good things I jumped on this bottle and gave it a go. There are many Penelope variations to choose from and I can’t speak to those quite yet, but this batch 5 gets a thumbs up. I was surprised at the time of writing this that there are already 11 batches. Given that this Barrel Strength is a standard line I don’t foresee myself comparing all the batches.
The Distillery’s Story: “Penelope Bourbon was crafted and created in a classic American tradition – to celebrate an impending birth of a child. In 2018, Mike Paladini and his wife, Kerry, found out they were expecting a baby girl, Penelope. To commemorate this occasion, Mike quickly realized he wanted to create a spirit that embodied the daily joy of celebrating life’s pleasures – big and small.
Teaming up with his close childhood friend and neighbor, Danny Polise, they set out to discover and produce a Straight Bourbon Whiskey everyone could appreciate and enjoy. A company was born.
Today, Penelope Bourbon is sold in over 26 states nationwide and 4 countries. Proving that with enough love and care, and hard work, anything is possible.”
Penelope Bourbon is distilled at MGP’s historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery. The distillery was founded in 1847.
Methodologies for Rating:
1. Dump it down the drain or regift it to someone you don’t care for.
2. This doesn’t even belong in a mixed drink. Use in case of an emergency.
3. It’s really not for me, but I heard some people like it.
4. Its only good when I’ve had too many and it’s decent in a mixer.
5. Average. Not bad, but not special.
6. Above average. Good to bring to an event and you wouldn’t expect any guff from it.
7. Buy two if you see it to make sure you have one on reserve.
8. Very Very good. Constantly a GREAT POUR.
9. Superb. If I were to drink this and only this from now on I’d be a happy person.
10. Perfection is impossible. But this really comes as close as you can possibly get.
Reviewer: David S
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