Penelope Bourbon was founded in 2018 by two brothers, Chris and Mike Pennington, who set out to create a bourbon that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. The brand’s name, Penelope, reflects purity, elegance, and balance—qualities that are embodied in every bottle of their bourbon. Unlike many other bourbon brands, Penelope Bourbon is not made from a single distillery’s output but rather by blending carefully selected whiskeys from multiple sources. This unique approach allows Penelope to craft a bourbon with greater complexity and a smoother finish than other more traditional expressions.

Since its inception, Penelope Bourbon has received high praise for its quality, becoming a favorite among both casual whiskey drinkers and serious bourbon collectors. The brand’s commitment to quality and small-batch production ensures that each bottle delivers a rich and memorable drinking experience.

What Makes Penelope Bourbon Unique?

One of the defining characteristics of Penelope whiskey is its commitment to blending multiple mash bills and barrel types to create a truly unique and complex product. The bourbon is crafted by sourcing different whiskies from reputable distilleries and blending them together in a way that enhances the overall flavor profile. The result is a smooth, full-bodied whiskey with a rich combination of flavors that stands out in the crowded bourbon market.

Penelope Bourbon’s use of different mash bills and barrel types adds a layer of complexity that is not often found in other bourbons. By blending whiskies aged in new charred oak barrels with those aged in barrels that have been toasted or used previously, Penelope Bourbon achieves a flavor profile that is both smooth and full of depth. This blending process gives the bourbon its signature balance of sweetness, spice, and oak, making it a versatile drink for various occasions.

The Mash Bill: Understanding the Ingredients

Penelope Bourbon uses a mash bill of 75% corn, 15% rye, and 10% malted barley, a combination that is quite common in many bourbons. However, it’s the blending process that really sets Penelope apart from other whiskeys. By sourcing whiskey from different distilleries and combining various mash bills, the brand can fine-tune the flavor to achieve a more complex profile than what is typically available from single-distillery bourbons.

The mash bill is an essential component in determining the flavor of bourbon. Corn provides the sweetness, while rye adds spiciness and complexity, and malted barley smooths everything out. Penelope Bourbon’s carefully chosen mash bill and blending process result in a balanced, approachable whiskey that offers something for every type of bourbon drinker.

The Aging Process: Crafting Depth of Flavor

Pp. Bourbon is aged in new, charred American oak barrels, which play a crucial role in developing its distinctive flavor. The charring process caramelizes the natural sugars in the wood, imparting rich notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak into the bourbon. These flavors are critical to the smoothness and depth of Penelope Bourbon.

The aging process allows the bourbon to develop complexity over time, as it interacts with the wood, mellowing out harsh notes and enhancing the overall flavor profile. Penelope Bourbon is typically aged for 4 to 6 years, which is a relatively short period compared to other premium bourbons. However, the shorter aging process does not mean the bourbon lacks quality. In fact, it is a testament to the brand’s ability to craft a complex and rich flavor in a shorter time frame.

Flavor Profile: What to Expect from Penelope Bourbon

When you open a bottle of Pp. Bourbon, the first thing you’ll notice is its inviting aroma. The nose is rich with notes of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of oak. These sweet and warm scents are complemented by subtle spices, which are characteristic of the rye in the mash bill.

On the palate, Pp. Bourbon offers a smooth, well-balanced experience. The sweetness of the corn is immediately apparent, with flavors of toffee, honey, and brown sugar. These flavors are balanced by the spiciness of the rye, which adds a layer of complexity and depth to the whiskey. The malted barley contributes to the smooth mouthfeel, making the overall drinking experience round and satisfying.

The finish of Pp. Bourbon is long and warm, with lingering notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The spice from the rye provides a pleasant kick at the end, ensuring that each sip leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re enjoying it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, Penelope Bourbon delivers a memorable drinking experience.

Penelope Bourbon Expressions: Exploring the Range

Pp. Bourbon offers several expressions, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profile. These include:

1. Penelope Bourbon Straight: This is the flagship expression, offering a balanced and approachable flavor. It is aged for 4 to 6 years and delivers a smooth profile with a mix of sweetness, spice, and oak.
2. Penelope Bourbon Founders Reserve: A limited edition offering that is made from a blend of several different bourbons and aged for a longer period to develop a more complex flavor profile. It features rich notes of caramel, oak, and spice.
3. Penelope Bourbon Toasted: A unique expression that undergoes a secondary aging process in toasted barrels. This imparts additional flavors of vanilla, oak, and light smoke, making it a distinctive option for whiskey lovers.

Each of these expressions showcases Penelope’s commitment to crafting high-quality, small-batch bourbons with a range of flavors to suit different tastes.

Price and Availability: Is Penelope Bourbon Worth the Investment?

Pp. Bourbon is considered a premium whiskey, but it is also quite reasonably priced compared to other bourbons of similar quality. A 750ml bottle typically costs between $40 and $60, depending on the retailer and specific expression. This makes Penelope Bourbon an excellent value for those looking for a high-quality, small-batch whiskey without breaking the bank.

While Pp. Bourbon is widely available at most liquor stores and online retailers, some of the limited edition expressions may be more difficult to find. However, the flagship and Founders Reserve expressions are generally easy to locate, making Penelope Bourbon an accessible option for both casual drinkers and seasoned whiskey connoisseurs.

People Also Ask About Penelope Bourbon

1. What makes Penelope Bourbon unique?

Pp. Bourbon is unique due to its innovative blending process, which combines different mash bills and barrel types to create a more complex and balanced whiskey. This allows Penelope to craft a bourbon with a smooth finish and rich flavor.

2. How long is Penelope Bourbon aged?

Pp. Bourbon is typically aged for 4 to 6 years, which is relatively shorter compared to some other premium bourbons. However, its blending process ensures that the bourbon still achieves a complex flavor profile.

3. What is the best way to enjoy Penelope Bourbon?

Pp. Bourbon is versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be sipped neat, on the rocks, or used in cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan.

4. Where can I buy Penelope Bourbon?

Pp. Bourbon can be found at most liquor stores and online retailers. Its availability may vary depending on location, especially for limited edition releases.

5. Is Penelope Bourbon worth the price?

Yes, Pp. Bourbon offers excellent value for its quality. Priced between $40 and $100, it is a high-quality, small-batch bourbon that provides a smooth, complex drinking experience.

 

Conclusion: Why Penelope Bourbon Should Be on Your Radar

Pp. Bourbon stands out in the crowded bourbon market thanks to its commitment to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship. The brand’s unique approach to blending, its carefully chosen mash bills, and its focus on smooth, balanced flavors make it a standout choice for whiskey lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of whiskey, Penelope Bourbon offers something for everyone.

With several expressions to choose from, including the flagship Pp. Bourbon Straight, the rich Founders Reserve, and the unique Toasted edition, there’s a Penelope Bourbon for every taste preference. The brand’s approachable price point, combined with its premium quality, makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore new bourbons. So, whether you enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, Penelope Bourbon is sure to impress.