Penelope Architect Build No. 1

Nose: oak and brown sugar Palate: taste a bit young but that’s not bad in this case. I get oak and vanilla and some tobacco. It’s solid. Finish: at 104 proof it had a bit of a hug. It linger on your tongue rather than that deep chest hug love that you get from higher proofs. Overall: it’s a solid pour. For me it’s not as good as their batch 6 cask strength or their Texas select toasted barrel. This is a solid pour. 3.6/5 stars. Glad I found a bottle.

Ethanol on nose at first. Takes a minute to settle down and burn off. Once this sits there is a good amount of vanilla and caramel with hints of oak on the nose. First sip is smooth with a good after bite of black pepper and a leathery char. Ice calms peppery burn and makes this a dangerous offering with a higher proof. There is a long late burn but adds to the intensity and interest. I recommend this one!

Smells wheated with vanilla and spice. Taste comes in smooth and sweet but not overly so with notes of caramel, vanilla and oak but has a really good mouthfeel and balance to it. Finish moves very nicely into some spice that isn’t overly hot, especially for 104 proof. Initial impression is quite exceptional.