Penelope Bourbon Brings Back Popular Rosé Cask Finished Whiskey Just in Time for Summer Sipping

(Photo: Penelope Bourbon)

Penelope Bourbon is once again retooling “rosé all day” with the release of the eighth batch of Penelope Rosé Cask Finish.

On Thursday, the New Jersey-based brand announced that the expression will return in a limited allocation with a suggested retail price of $49.99. Made from a mashbill of 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye and 3% malted barley, the bourbon is finished in Grenache rosé wine casks from the southern region of France and bottled at 94 proof. Compared to most offerings from the distiller, the expression bears a noticeably pink-tinted hue typically unseen within the bourbon category.

“Finishing our signature Four Grain bourbon in hand-selected rosé casks from Southern France creates a distinctive flavor alliance,” said Daniel Polise, founder and master blender of Penelope Bourbon, said in a news release. “I think consumers will appreciate the elegant and memorable look and taste of Rosé Cask Finish.”

The expression was first unveiled in 2020, at the time touted as one of the world’s first French rosé-finished bourbons. While we were initially skeptical of the unprecedented combo, we found a lot to like in previous batches’ distinctly floral blend of vanilla bean, fresh berry and brown sugar notes.

In the years since its launch, Penelope Rosé Cask Finish has been joined by three other expressions in the “Cooper Series,” each of which recruits different wine casks from across the world. Penelope Valencia uses Spanish Vino De Naranja barrels, while Penelope Tokaji Cask Finish finds its home in Tokaji wine casks from Hungary. The most recent addition to the portfolio, Penelope Rio, is finished in honey and Brazilian Amburana barrels.

If you’d like to check out the brand’s latest wine-centric release, find the store locator here.

Penelope is a non-distilling producer that sources its whiskey from MGP Ingredients in Indiana. In May 2023, MGP acquired Penelope, taking the partnership between the companies to a new level.

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