Penelope Barrel Strength Bourbon (Batch 12)

Penelope Straight Bourbon Whiskey Cask Strength Batch #12 113.9 Proof Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Butterscotch with vanilla and raisins. Palate: Some oak, baking spices and cloves. Finish: Long and warm. Splash: Vanilla returns, mixed with clove and oak tannins. Overall: 8/10 - The nose is the star, and the finish is dynamite. A few drops of water calms the clove spice and allows the oak and vanilla to shine through.

Brass in color with a bit of an amber hue. Legs are very slow to form, and very slow to move. Once they get going though, it doesn't leave much on the glass. Nose is light, with caramel, tart fruit (currants and underripe blackberries) and warm spices with undertones of malted grains. Hot on the palate right out of the gate. This comes from the proof, as well as the profile. Cinnamon and clove are all over, and a hint of white pepper all add up on each other. A bready sweetness lingers in the background and makes for a long and well balanced finish. Fine oak sawdust comes to mind, and a soft caramel chew. Naturally, a drop of water opens it up and slows down the progression of flavors. It does little to take the heat off the mid palate, though, highlighting the spiciness of this offering. Its a very solid bourbon. Complex and interesting with a medium - long finish. It lacks in richness and depth a bit and I am nonetheless satisfied!