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Writer's pictureBarrel Brothers

Micro Monday Review #106 Penelope Barrel Strength

Updated: Mar 8, 2021

Distillery: Penelope Sourced from MGP

Proof: 116

Age: NAS (At least 3 Years)

Mashbill: Undisclosed (Four Grain)

BACKGROUND: Penelope Bourbon was started by Michael Paladini & Danny Palice, two New Jersey natives who grew up together with a shared live for bourbon. Shortly after Mike had his first child, Penelope, he decided he wanted to try something new and join the bourbon industry. Shortly after the two started brainstorming ideas on what was to come next. After some searching they decided to source the whiskey from MGP & went in with no expectations or experience, knowing what they liked & what they wanted. After a day of testing and tasting they picked the mashbills they liked best and got to work. Through trial, error, and some time the two mastered their craft & came out with what is now Penelope Straight Bourbon.

NOSE: The nose reminds of strong, freshly baked apple pie with notes of cinnamon, apples, caramel, baking spices, brown sugar, and clove. The nose subsides the proof very well and there is no proof. (21/25)

PALATE: The proof shows up immediately on the palate with a bursting, tingling sensation. Penelop Barrel Strength is full of notes of crisp rye spice, dark berries, vanilla, and oak. I also get some citrus notes that can be confused as maple. It is very smooth and rich while maintaining a very balanced flavor profile. (33/40)

FINISH: The finish is full of oak, rye spice, cracked pepper, burnt caramel and some faint vanilla. It is a long finish leaving you with a warm feeling in your chest. (21/25)

VALUE: Penelope Barrel Strength has a SRP of $55 which is a great value for this cask strength bourbon whiskey. (7/10)

Overall: 82/100

FINAL THOUGHTS: Penelope Four Grain Barrel Strength bourbon whiskey is a very tasty, cask strength bourbon whiskey that has a rich and balanced flavor profile. It is very enjoyable and approachable for a cask strength whiskey. We recommend this to anyone.

Similar & Slightly Better Whiskey: Wild Turkey Rare Breed

Similar & Equal Whiskey: Traverse City Barrel Proof

Similar & Slightly Worse Whiskey: Old Grand Dad 114

Tell us what you think and give us some feedback!

Scoring Legend:

96-100: The perfect dram, juice of the gods

90-95: Near perfect, truly incredible whiskey

85-89: Amazing whiskey, will always try to keep a backup bottle of this

80-84: Very good, some minor flaws here or there

75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink, Will try and keep a bottle on the shelf

70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get this

60-69: Decent, would offer this up to non whiskey drinkers

50-59: Not my cup of tea

Below 50: Give away



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