Penelope Bourbon Hops on the Cigar Blend Whiskey Trend With an Unorthodox Blend

Penelope Bourbon is joining the cigar blend trend. (Photo: Penelope Bourbon)

Penelope Bourbon has hopped on the cigar blend whiskey trendwith Cigar Sessions Chapter 1, a limited release designed to complement medium-bodied cigars. The release marks Penelope’s first cigar-focused expression and aligns with a broader trend among American whiskey makers targeting cigar enthusiasts.

Cigar blend whiskeys are typically crafted with the goal of having full-bodied flavor profiles, intended to hold their own against the strong aromas and textures of cigars. Though pairing whiskey and cigars has long been common, the idea of a whiskey specifically built to pair with a cigar is a relatively recent innovation in the U.S. The style gained momentum in the late 2010s, largely thanks to master blender Nancy Fraley, who adapted cigar blends from France, which has a long tradition of producing cigar blend cognacs and armagnacs. Fraley developed Joseph Magnus Cigar Blend Bourbon, and the trend has taken off from there.

In late 2024, the popular Austin, Texas-based distillery, Still Austin, released its first cigar blend whiskey, crafted by Fraley. Click here to check out our review of that bourbon, Tanager.

With Cigar Sessions Chapter 1, Penelope is adding its take to the trend. The blend is unorthodox to say the least, combining straight bourbon, 100% American single malt and American light whiskey. Aged six years and bottled at 101 proof, it features a final mashbill of 72% corn, 15% rye and 13% malted barley. Only 7,500 six-bottle cases are being released in select markets this month at a suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750-milliliter bottle.

Penelope’s blending team collaborated with cigar professionals Cynn Coburn of Dissident Cigars and Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars to develop the whiskey.

“We wanted to create a truly authentic cigar blend – one that was created in partnership with a group of highly talented cigar master blenders,” Michael Paladini, Penelope Bourbon founder and vice president of strategy for MGP Ingredients, said in a news release. “We are excited to release Chapter 1 of our Cigar Sessions – the perfect complementary pour for medium-bodied cigars.”

MGP acquired Penelope — a non-distilling producer that was already sourcing whiskey from the Indiana-based giant — in May 2023.

According to tasting notes from the brand, Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 opens with milk chocolate, vanilla and candied apple on the nose, followed by flavors of chocolate, dried peach, tobacco and warm caramel. The finish is said to offer notes of toffee, dark fruit and light oak.

Danny Polise, Penelope co-founder and master blender, said the team tested 19 mashbills before settling on the final blend. “It was the balance of the American Single Malt together with the American Light Whiskey and the straight bourbon that resulted in a flavor profile that makes it the perfect choice for a cigar pairing,” Polise said.

Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 is part of Penelope’s Limited Releases line, which also includes American Light Whiskey, Toasted Rye and the charitable F*ck Cancer bottling.

Founded in 2018 and now part of MGP’s Luxco portfolio, Penelope has grown quickly, earning industry recognition including Double Gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.