Bourbon Review: Penelope Rio
Penelope Rio is a bold and unconventional take on finished bourbon, showcasing a double cask finish in American honey and Amburana wood.
Penelope Rio is a bold and unconventional take on finished bourbon, showcasing a double cask finish in American honey and Amburana wood. The influence of Amburana, a rare Brazilian hardwood, adds an unmistakable layer of spice and aromatics, while the honey cask rounds out the profile with a natural sweetness. Bottled at 98 proof, Rio’s four-grain mash bill (74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye, 3% malted barley) provides a balanced foundation, allowing the unique cask finishes to shine.
If I were to choose the exact color, it’s #bd5919 – or burnt copper. The overall fluid is light in comparison to other double-oaked bourbons, takes on a reddish-orange hue, and feels bright and inviting, both in the bottle and in a cup.
Right away, clover honey jumps out—rich, strong, and unmistakable. There’s a grassy note underneath, adding a fresh, outdoor-like quality. It almost smells like standing in an open field, with hints of honey and wild grass carried on the breeze. Unlike most straight bourbons, there’s little to no oakiness, making for a lighter, more aromatic profile.
The first sip is all about sweetness—almost like drinking a thinner honey. The 98-proof heat builds gradually rather than hitting all at once. That grassy note from the nose lingers in the background, joined by an unexpected metallic or copper-like tinge on the tip of the tongue.
As the sip develops, the honeyed richness is balanced by a peppery kick, almost like chili heat that creeps in at the back of the palate. The sweetness helps mask the alcohol bite, making it smoother than expected. It’s rich and full-flavored but almost dessert-like, meaning it might be best enjoyed in smaller pours or paired with food.
The finish leans into the peppery heat, more of a tingling sensation than an outright spice. The honey is still there but more toned down. Then comes a charcoal-like smokiness—not peaty, but more like a lingering campfire ember. This smoky note gives the bourbon a rugged, outdoorsy feel, making it a natural fit for pairing with a cigar. The sweetness and smoke balance well, keeping it interesting through multiple tastings.
Penelope’s Amburana-finished offering is bold, unique, and layered. The honey influence is strong throughout, but the spice, grassiness, and smoky finish keep it from becoming one-dimensional. It’s not an everyday sipper due to the intensity of the sweetness, but it’s a bourbon that makes an impression. Given how rare Amburana casks are, this one might not be easy to find—but if you do, it’s worth trying.
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