• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

U.S. Whiskey Report

Whiskey News, Whiskey Releases and New Distilleries

  • Home
  • U.S. Open Whiskey
  • Whiskey Terms
  • U.S. Open Beer
    • 2018 U.S. Open Beer
    • 2017 U.S. Open Beer
  • U.S. Open Cider
    • 2018 U.S. Open Cider
    • 2017 U.S. Open Cider
    • 2016 U.S. Open Cider
    • 2015 U.S. Open Cider
  • Fun Facts

Penelope Bourbon Releases First Expression Since MGP Acquisition — A Toasted Barrel Finish Rye Bottled at 100 Proof

July 16, 2023 By Dustin Scoggins

Penelope DistilleryPenelope Bourbon released a limited-edition whiskey in June with a 100% rye mashbill finished in new, heavily toasted American oak barrels.

The 5-year-old rye is distilled from a mashbill of 100% rye and is non-chill filtered, per Shanken News Daily. Penelope Bourbon describes the rye whiskey as having vanilla and caramel-based aromas, with a bold palate that holds plenty of smoked marshmallow, butterscotch and herbaceous mint qualities. The finish is long and savory, according to the brand, and has a subtle spice.

Penelope chose to work with toasted barrels as a “testament to the power of serendipity.” The team was struck by the unique differences between each barrel and wanted to create a line of whiskey expressions that showcase such diversity.

The New Jersey-based bourbon company is no stranger to experimenting with different aging methods and finishes. The brand regularly releases a Rosé Cask Finish expression, which we have reviewed here.

The Penelope Toasted Series Straight Rye Whiskey is Penelope’s first release since the bottler was acquired by MGP Ingredients and its subsidiary, Luxco Inc., for an impressive $105 million in May. Penelope can extend ther price to $110.8 million by the end of 2025 if it meets Luxco’s performance expectations.

Penelope is relatively new, launched in 2018 after husband and wife duo, Mike and Kerry Paladini, found out they were about to have a baby, named Penelope. Penelope’s birth inspired them to create a spirit line meant to “celebrate life’s pleasures – big and small,” according to the brand.

The couple teamed up with Mike’s childhood friend and neighbor, Danny Polise, to create Penelope Bourbon. The company grew exponentially prior to its acquisition by MGP.

The Toasted Rye Barrel Finish expression was bottled at 100 proof and is part of a singular release, with a total of 7,000 cases available at select retailers. The spirit hosts a suggested retail price of $70.

About Penelope Distillery

Penelope Bourbon was crafted and created in a classic American tradition – to celebrate an impending birth of a child. In 2018, Mike Paladini and his wife, Kerry, found out they were expecting a baby girl, Penelope.  To commemorate this occasion, Mike quickly realized he wanted to create a spirit that embodied the daily joy of celebrating life’s pleasures – big and small.

Teaming up with his close childhood friend and neighbor, Danny Polise, they set out to discover and produce a Straight Bourbon Whiskey everyone could appreciate and enjoy. A company was born.

Today, Penelope Bourbon is sold in over 27 states nationwide and 4 countries. Proving that with enough love and care, and hard work, anything is possible.

For more information please visit https://penelopebourbon.com/

Filed Under: best whiskey, whiskey

Primary Sidebar


 
Top 10 Whiskey Blogs

 







Follow us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Archives

  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • November 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • September 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • August 2019
  • April 2019

Copyright © 2025 US Whiskey Report. All Rights Reserved.