Editor’s Note: We received a review sample of this whiskey from the brand. However, in accordance with our editorial policies, this has not influenced the outcome of our review in any way.
Penelope Bourbon was founded in 2018 and named for founder Michael Paladini’s daughter, Penelope. The strength of this brand’s ability to have crafted over the years since then a series of sourced straight bourbon and rye whiskey expressions that are all uniquely blended and finished garnered the attention of Indiana-based spirits giant MGP, who acquired Penelope in mid-2023 for over $100 million.
Using MGP juice, Penelope’s core expressions of Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect, and Toasted Bourbon have received over 40 combined awards and industry accolades. In 2024, the brand won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Barrel Strength and Toasted, Double Platinum at the ASCOT Awards for Barrel Strength, Double Gold for Rio, and an Innovation Award for Toasted at the SIP Awards.
In addition to its cornerstone expressions, Penelope continues to introduce limited releases within its Cooper Series, Private Select, and Founders Reserve lines.
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What’s in the bottle
The whiskey being reviewed here, Penelope Toasted Rye Whiskey (2024), is this brand’s second release of this particular expression. It is the result of finishing a very special, hand-selected 95% rye and 5% malted barley mash bill in new, freshly toasted barrels.
“After aging the rye whiskey for six years prior to finishing, this year’s release resulted in a profile that we believe will really stand out,” said Daniel Polise, founder and master blender of Penelope Bourbon, at the type this whiskey was released. “The char 2 profile of the finishing barrels used brought out rich butterscotch notes to the blend of selected barrels, adding additional layers and depth to a great rye whiskey.”
Penelope Toasted Rye Whiskey (2024) is bottled at 50% ABV and priced at $74.99.
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