This is an entry level release from the blenders at Penelope bourbon. Using a four grain mashbill, this bourbon is targeted to deliver a combination of both easier drinking and lower price. We've all had a lot of MGP at this point, myself included, so this should be pretty easy to judge based on their stocks. For what it's worth, I like the no frills design, but since you can't drink the label, I say we dive in. Let's do this.
At $35, I would recommend picking up a bottle if you are looking for a unique product that has unique flavors. This is not the caramel, vanilla, butterscotch flavor bomb that a lot of bourbon drinkers have become accustomed to.
Once this particular bottle gets over that hump of the young note here and there it should be smooth sailing. On the other hand, this goes great in a whiskey sour.
Seasoned drinkers won’t find much new in Penelope — this could evolve into a killer bourbon at 6 years of age, methinks — but at $35 a bottle it’s not the worst deal in the world, and it does offer some insight into young — but well-made — bourbon.
Kudos to Mike and Danny for starting a new company while becoming new fathers. For a two year bourbon, it’s pretty decent. I think they accomplished what they wanted, making an approachable whiskey, but I think they can push the palate further and play around with the mash bill blends. This is only batch one, so we'll see how Penelope Bourbon evolves.
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House Review
Nose:
Musty, lots of pear, apple and a bit of rising bread. The youth is clear here, and while not offensive, it isn’t really doing any favors.
Taste:
Thin to medium mouth feel, lots of honey and almond, some toffee and vanilla. Sweet and really classic bourbon profile here with a good deal of cinnamon, vanilla, oak, etc. Still young though, the must is there.
Finish:
Short and inoffensive. Lots of cream, honey, vanilla, toffee and almond. Really supple finish, though not a ton going on.
Overall:
Alright, honestly this isn’t amazing. It’s young, and it’s still working out what its going to be. The barrel proof is far far far better. Once this particular bottle gets over that hump of the young note here and there it should be smooth sailing. On the other hand, this goes great in a whiskey sour.
Score:
75
By t8ke
Our in house critic rates spirits on a scale of 0-10 (10 best) and is aggregated the same as external sources
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