Penelope Private Select Barrel Strength Bourbon Batch 02

Dark mahogany color (it’s unclear if coloring has been added). Pleasant, though disjointed, nose shows brown sugar, cocoa powder, peanut brittle, oak, and ethanol—which is out of balance. Palate has a lot of heat (119.8 proof), adding leather and pipe tobacco, before finishing with more heat. There is a subtle, lingering bitterness. The overall impression is one of unrealized potential: the nose has some appealing aspects, but lacks the depth, complexity, and richness to offset the heat. This is likely due in some part to its young age (addressed below), and not simply to its high proof; other bourbons such as Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Stagg Jr. excel at integrating the high heat. Penelope sources their bourbon from MGP in Indiana. Batch 02 is bottled at 119.8 proof, and is a blend of three sourced bourbons: 4% corn bourbon, 91% rye bourbon, and 5% wheat bourbon. It is unclear what exactly these terms mean, as all bourbon must by definition be (among other things) at least 51% corn. Even as mashbill descriptors: what is “corn bourbon”? (Not the same as “corn whiskey”). What is “rye bourbon”? There is high-rye bourbon, low-rye bourbon, even medium-rye bourbon, and no-rye bourbon. Rye whiskey must be at least 51% rye, and 91% of this blend is stated to be “rye bourbon,” not “rye whiskey.” This is not pedantry, but rather fundamental, foundational definitions. The distillate is aged 3-5 years. N.B. All spirits tasted neat in separate Glencairn glasses.