Distillery: Penelope Sourced from MGP
Proof: 116
Age: NAS (At least 3 Years)
Mashbill: Undisclosed (Four Grain)
BACKGROUND: Penelope Bourbon was started by Michael Paladini & Danny Palice, two New Jersey natives who grew up together with a shared live for bourbon. Shortly after Mike had his first child, Penelope, he decided he wanted to try something new and join the bourbon industry. Shortly after the two started brainstorming ideas on what was to come next. After some searching they decided to source the whiskey from MGP & went in with no expectations or experience, knowing what they liked & what they wanted. After a day of testing and tasting they picked the mashbills they liked best and got to work. Through trial, error, and some time the two mastered their craft & came out with what is now Penelope Straight Bourbon.
NOSE: The nose reminds of strong, freshly baked apple pie with notes of cinnamon, apples, caramel, baking spices, brown sugar, and clove. The nose subsides the proof very well and there is no proof. (21/25)
PALATE: The proof shows up immediately on the palate with a bursting, tingling sensation. Penelop Barrel Strength is full of notes of crisp rye spice, dark berries, vanilla, and oak. I also get some citrus notes that can be confused as maple. It is very smooth and rich while maintaining a very balanced flavor profile. (33/40)
FINISH: The finish is full of oak, rye spice, cracked pepper, burnt caramel and some faint vanilla. It is a long finish leaving you with a warm feeling in your chest. (21/25)
VALUE: Penelope Barrel Strength has a SRP of $55 which is a great value for this cask strength bourbon whiskey. (7/10)
Overall: 82/100
FINAL THOUGHTS: Penelope Four Grain Barrel Strength bourbon whiskey is a very tasty, cask strength bourbon whiskey that has a rich and balanced flavor profile. It is very enjoyable and approachable for a cask strength whiskey. We recommend this to anyone.
Similar & Slightly Better Whiskey: Wild Turkey Rare Breed
Similar & Equal Whiskey: Traverse City Barrel Proof
Similar & Slightly Worse Whiskey: Old Grand Dad 114
Tell us what you think and give us some feedback!
Scoring Legend:
96-100: The perfect dram, juice of the gods
90-95: Near perfect, truly incredible whiskey
85-89: Amazing whiskey, will always try to keep a backup bottle of this
80-84: Very good, some minor flaws here or there
75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink, Will try and keep a bottle on the shelf
70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get this
60-69: Decent, would offer this up to non whiskey drinkers
50-59: Not my cup of tea
Below 50: Give away
