Penelope Bourbon has shortly turn out to be a small sensation within the American whiskey world. By taking the acquainted non-distilling producer system of sourcing whiskey after which mixing or ending it to create a brand new product they’ve seen nice success since they received their begin again in 2018. Penelope’s founders have been identified within the model’s early days to promote their merchandise out of the trunk of their automobiles, however in lower than 4 years they’ve graduated to a manufacturing facility and are distributed in additional than half the states within the nation – you possibly can say they’re prodigious learners!
Talking of studying, their 101 course for ending got here through a singular rosé cask completed bourbon which marked the start of their Cooper Collection. That was quickly adopted by a Tokaji completed straight rye earlier this yr, and now we can be contemplating the third entry within the collection, Penelope Valencia, a 4 grain bourbon completed in Vino de Naranja casks.
Vino de Naranja, an orange wine, is produced in Andalucia, Spain and is an expressive, darkish, and potent candy wine made with macerated orange peels. True to the origin of these ending casks, Penelope Valencia bourbon opens with aromas of heat pound cake adopted by an attractive spiced orange notice. I initially choose up main Previous Common vibes, minus the cocktail cherry, and over time aromas of vanilla frosting and the slightest little bit of candied walnut emerge as nicely.
On the palate Penelope Valencia is resplendent with semi-sweet orange buttercream main the cost on the tip of the tongue earlier than dry walnuts and warming baking spices blossom on the again finish. It’s the considerably austere midpalate which retains the tasting expertise from fulfilling the wealthy promise it begins with, however a splash of simmering spice on the lingering end made me seize my bottle simply to double test whether or not or not it was a rye.
Upon revisiting the glass after permitting it a while to relaxation, the flavors proceed to current themselves nicely, however I saved coming again to the ho-hum midpalate expertise, and I imagine the first offender right here is the proof level. At solely 97 proof this expression has lots to say, nevertheless it appears as if it’s lower brief from divulging all of its secrets and techniques. Whereas I’d like to see how Valencia performs at a better abv, taken as it’s that is an approachable completed bourbon that has loads to supply regardless of leaving a bit on the desk.
97 proof.
B / $75 / penelopebourbon.com
Penelope Valencia Bourbon
$75
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