The collection was masterminded by Co-Founder and Master Blender, Danny Polise, and demonstrates innovations in wheat whiskey aging as well as careful blending, and single barrel picks.
The Estate Collection 2024
The Penelope Bourbon Estate Collection 2024 sees the distillery go further than ever before in terms of aging. Diverting from its usual four to six-year-old offerings, the Estate Collection contains whiskeys between nine and 11 years old.
Penelope Founders Reserve
Penelope Founders Reserve is a wheat whiskey, distilled from a mash bill of 95% wheat and 5% barley. The whiskey was matured for 11 years in virgin American charred oak barrels. Five lots were selected for bottling, each with its own barrel proof.
- Lot B: 118.4 proof (59.2% ABV)
- Lot C: 116.6 proof (58.3% ABV)
- Lot D: 109.5 proof (54.75% ABV)
- Lot E: 107.6 proof (53.8% ABV)
- Lot F: 108.2 proof (54.1% ABV)
According to a brand press release, “Founders Reserve imparts an aroma of rich caramelized sugar and vanilla bean with a touch of cherry, flavors of maple buttercream frosting with hints of white pepper and a bit of oak, and a savory finish with lingering notes of brown sugar and toffee.”
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Penelope Founders Reserve is available in limited quantities at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, and will be distributed across selected e-commerce partners starting in October. RRP $199.
Penelope Private Select
Aromas of “rich caramel, vanilla custard and cherry fruit” greet the drinker on the nose. The palate presents flavors of “marshmallow, caramel, sweet cherry and black pepper on the palate. The finish of this distinctive bourbon features notes of vanilla crème brûlée, allspice and light smoke.”
Only 6,000 cases have been produced. They will be available nationwide this October for an RRP of $79.99 per bottle.
Penelope Single Barrel
Finally, Penelope Single Barrel features two 10 year old bourbons, carefully hand-selected from various ricks and warehouses and presenting varying profiles “too exceptional to blend.” The two single barrel picks are:
- Single Barrel 21% – 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley. 98 proof (49% ABV). Tasting notes feature “aromas of vanilla, caramel, dried fruit and sweet cherry followed by notes of caramel, buttercream frosting, maraschino cherry and light rye spice on the palate with a finish featuring dried cherry and marshmallow with lingering spice.” RRP $89.99, available in Open states this October.
- Single Barrel 36% – 60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley. 105 proof (52.5% ABV). “This distinctive innovation features an aroma of butterscotch, vanilla and light fruit on the nose and flavors of candied caramel, vanilla and chocolate cocoa. The long rye spice finish features notes of lingering butterscotch and roasted nuts.” RRP $89.99, available in Control states this October.
Innovation And Quality
“Innovation and quality are at the heart of everything we do, and the 2024 Estate Collection takes those characteristics to an entirely new level,” said Michael Paladini, founder, Penelope Bourbon and vice president of strategy, MGP Ingredients. “These three releases showcase the best of the best in our rickhouses, allowing us to create one-of-a-kind aged whiskeys that take Penelope to new heights. Each product in the Estate Collection is unique – from the blend to the age and the mash bill. There’s something in this collection for everyone.”
“It was a thrill to explore the warehouses and hunt for the perfect barrels to create the collection,” added Danny Polise. “We pride ourselves on the details in blending, and took a hands-on approach to find specific nuances and variations in order to curate these releases. The result is an outstanding premium collection illustrating the breadth of both fine distillate and blending.”
