Penelope Rose Cask Finish Review
Batch 8
I had good and not so good impressions of this bourbon so when I saw it in the store, I grabbed a bottle. Sitting with a pour, let’s see what the hype/non-hype is about over the Penelope Rose Cask finish review. Penelope Bourbon is a brand known for its innovative approach to straight bourbon and rye whiskey, focusing on unique blending and finishing techniques. Founded in 2018 by founder Michael Paladini, Penelope Bourbon is named after Paladini’s daughter. The brand quickly gained recognition for its distinctive flavor profiles, and in 2023 it was purchased by MGP.
Penelope’s core products include Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect and Toasted Bourbon
Series: Cooper Series
Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Finished in: Grenache Rosé Casks for about 4 mo.
Age: NAS (Website says a blend of 4-5 year old bourbons)
Proof: 94
Proof Designation: na
Filtered Status: Non-Chill Filtered
Mash bill: 74% Corn, 16% Wheat, 7% Rye, 3% Malted Barley
Barrel Char Level: 4
Barrel Entry Proof: ??
Distillate Source: MGP
Company: MGP
Bottled By: Penelope Bourbon Bottling Co.
Distilled/Aging Location: Indiana
Master Distiller: Daniel Polise
Release Date: June 2024
MSRP: $50
Secondary Market: $65
Availability: Available
Penelope Rose Cask Finish Review
My tasting reviews are unique in that I include the notes of several well-known whiskey critics. The hope is that this format will help me and others to explore and expand their tasting experience. After you have taken your own tasting notes, read the reviews and see if there is a flavor note that others discerned that now you can detect as well.
For this tasting: Opened Bottle (about 2 weeks), Glencairn Glass, Neat, Room Temp, Breathe: 5 minutes
The neck pour of this really turned me off. I came back to it a few weeks later and although it was better, it still didn’t sit well with me. And it is strange that for such a low proof, it was a bit better with a little more air. I usually don’t experience that sort of change except in higher proof whiskeys…almost never with something that’s only 94 proof…strange.
Legs
Beads began to form at 8 seconds, the legs began to fall at 18 seconds, and the first legs hit the bowl at about 26 seconds. This suggests a very thin, light mouthfeel without much viscosity.
Nose
Light fruit notes, ethanol (strange for such a low proof), and a wine note are present on the nose. Nothing stands out, everything is subtle and “thin”.
Other Reviewer’s Perceptions
Breaking Bourbon: Strawberry creme | Sugar plums | Light grain | Young oak
Whiskey Wash: The nose on this is light and floral, with some jammy notes popping through also. Things to consider here include aromatics of intense vanilla, strawberries, a slight hint of oak, some toasted almond, a slight sniff of baked bread and bubble gum.
The Bourbon Guy: Vanilla sugar, dried grains, and cherry.
Palate
Watery caramel, new oak and oak tannins, mild floral notes, light fruit notes (apple??), wet almonds, and a hint of wineyness. It is uncomplex…mildly astringent, mildly sweet, mostly boring.
Other Reviewer’s Perceptions
Breaking Bourbon: Raisin | Red currant | Light black cherry | Brown sugar | Light creaminess
Whiskey Wash: This drink is smooth and easy, not aggressive like bourbon can sometimes be. It eases across the palate with a chill vanilla, those strawberries again, bubble gum, marzipan, more noticeable oak, a kiss of coriander, and a backbone of almonds.
This whiskey does not super blow me away, but whatever…This would do well if consumed in a chilled glass.
The Bourbon Guy: Fruity and biscuity with supporting notes of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice.
It took me a bit to warm to this one.
Finish
Medium finish that is mostly dry with mild oak tannins and a watery sweetness of fruit and caramel.
Other Reviewer’s Perceptions
Breaking Bourbon: Prune | Touch of spice | Mildly astringent seasoned oak | Touch dry | Short-medium length
Whiskey Wash: The finish is mild, keeping with the rest of the tasting experience. It doesn’t hold for long, but it doesn’t fade off badly.
The Bourbon Guy: Medium length and warmth with notes of caramel cherries, buttermilk biscuits, and baking spice.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel is thin and unimpressive.
Mouthfeel Rating Guide: Thin = Watery | Silken = smooth & slippery, but not mouth coating | Creamy = coats the tongue like heavy cream does. | Rich or Unctuous = coats the entire palate like quality olive oil
Tasting Summary – Penelope Rose Cask Finish Review
Mild tannins from young oak hit the palate first and linger throughout the entire sip. It is followed by a watery caramel flavor and light fruity notes. Overall, it is uncomplex, watery, and boring with a tannin dryness persisting throughout the taste.
I did not enjoy this pour even a little bit. In my opinion, this is a bourbon best drank over ice or put into a cocktail, or perhaps not drank at all. But don’t take my word for it, some people love this and call it a nice “summer bourbon”. Everyone likes what they like, and that’s the great thing about whiskey, everyone’s palate and preference is different, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Pass, Bar, Buy, or Bunker?
Rating: BAR- I’d try a sample of this before deciding to purchase. It seems to be a pour that people love, hate, or are on the fence about.
Rating Scale:
PASS – I wish that I had never put this in my mouth!
BAR – I don’t love it or hate it…I suggest trying this in a bar before purchasing it.
BUY – I would buy it once…maybe more.
BUNKER – Love this! I want a back-up bottle…or 3.
My Rating – 5.9
The higher the score the better the whiskey is in my opinion. For reference, my best rated bottle so far is the George T. Stagg 2022 (138.7p) with a score of 9.7.
| Score Type | Score | Examples |
| Likability Score | 5.9 | 1.0 – 10.0 |
My Tasting Notes
A blank version of this tasting notes wheel is available in both a color and a black & white version in the member’s area.
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