Disclosure: This sample was provided to me by Penelope Bourbon for review.
Penelope Barrel Strength Bourbon Batch #6, 57.9%
Nose: A wonderful nose with a lot going on. Vanilla bean, an abundance of caramel, light mint, almonds, quite floral at first but becomes fruity with raspberries and plums
Palate: Medium to thick mouth feel, milk chocolate with some sweet roasted nuts, perhaps walnuts or almonds. Burnt sugar and caramel, vanilla, cereal grains, fruity notes of apple and cherry, white pepper and cinnamon spice, drinks just a touch above its proof
Finish: Medium to long, cinnamon crescendos and those sweet caramel and vanilla notes return with some cherries to end it
Rating: 77/100 – Great | Well above average
A really great barrel strength bourbon with a lot of complexity, especially for its age. Like so many other whiskey brands these days, Penelope is sourcing from MGP in Indiana. However their four grain blend, used in this bottle, brings a very unique profile that has helped them to stand out amongst a crowded field of non-distilling producers. Their barrel strength release is quite different from anything else on the market and, at an MSRP of $60, is a great pickup for the barrel proof bourbon lover looking to try something new and delicious.
Additional Info: A blend of three MGP bourbons aged 3.5-4.5 years with a final four grain mash bill of 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye, and 3% malted barley
