We have been big Penelope Bourbon enthusiasts since we tasted several different bottles at an informal tasting about 18 months ago. These MGP-distilled products have been a huge hit for bourbon fans and their vast selection of offerings is pretty mind blowing! Today we are tasting and discovering what two of their latest releases are all about.
First up is the annual, limited release
Penelope Toasted Rye. This gem is a mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley in #2 heavy char toasted barrels. If you were camping with friends and toasting marshmallows in the crisp fall air in an apple orchard and you could bottle that, then that's what you have here. The aromas are quite literally mouth-watering and the rich mohagany color with hints of copper only add to the appeal. Tons of sweet butterscotch dance on the tongue with a zesty ginger, sweet nutmeg and subtle peppery note that lead to a finish that feels like it lingers for minutes. We wouldn't consider this a dessert bourbon necessarily, but it would be a wonderful digestif after a special meal with friends. This is definitely one of our favorite Penelope spirits we have tasted to date.
This is batch 24-304 and it is limited to only 9,000 cases. While Penelope is distributed in 47 states, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for this one because it won't last long!
ABV: 50.0% (100 proof)
Distillery: Penelope Bourbon (MGP)
Suggested retail price: $74.99
Drink The Bottles score: 96/100
Moving onto to the Penelope Rosé Cask Finish, this is the 8th release of this Cooper Series stunner. This is a four grain bourbon with a mash bill of 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye and 3% malted barley, finished in French Grenache Rosé wine casks. Daniel Polise, the master blender at Penelope Bourbon, has become a bourbon poet with his fine palate and masterful skills that fans of blended bourbons come to love.
Golden orange in color and tasted neat, we were introduced to aromas of vanilla bean, tomato leaf, green tea, young Spring flowers and strawberries. We were surprised how layered this was with strawberry creme saver candy, vanilla pudding, herb garden and passion fruit flavors that carried through from start to finish. The finish is direct and pleasant and we feel this is a great late summer-into-fall sipper. While we don't typically eat any food with bourbon, this one would be an exception and would pair well with some lighter Asian cuisine. Well done!
ABV: 47.0% (94 proof)
Distillery: Penelope Bourbon (MGP)
Suggested retail price: $49.99
Drink The Bottles score: 93/100
