Day 12 of DB's Bourbon Trail 2024 Advent Calendar - Penelope Barrel Strength Toasted Series Single Barrel

Derek Burkhard
Oct 30, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Dec 12, 2024

Cheers and welcome to our 5th Annual Advent Calendar!

This month, we’re embarking on a high-end bourbon journey, reviewing 25 bourbons from award-winning distilleries across the United States. From December 1st to December 25th, we’ll explore everything from small batches to single barrels, all packed with flavor. Join us in toasting to another incredible year as we share some of our favorite bottles with you!

Our reviews are done using a Glencairn glass and neat, but remember, it’s your bourbon! Enjoy it however you like—over ice, with water, or in a cocktail. The key is to enjoy it your way and not let others influence your experience.

Enough of me rambling. Now, let’s dive into what brought us here!

Day 12 of DB’s Bourbon Trail 2024 Advent Calendar

PENELOPE BARREL STRENGTH TOASTED SERIES SINGLE BARREL - SEVEN STAR LIQUORS PICK

Proof:

115 Proof (57.5%)

Distillery:

Penelope Bourbon is distilled at MGP’s historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery.

Price Point:

At DB’s Bourbon Trail, we use BoozApp (not sponsored) to ensure fair pricing on our bourbon purchases. Nothing is worse than overpaying due to supply and demand games.
- Average MSRP:
  - $69.99
- Fair Price:
  - $87.61
- Shelf Price:
  - $94.99
- DB’s Bourbon Trail Instant Buy Price:
  - <$69.99

Review:

High Proof Alert***

We are officially teetering on the edge of being half way through the calendar and we are turning up the heat in here folks! And who better to feature than Penelope that has been doing the same in the industry! Personally - I believe Penelope has some of the best, if not the best, MGP products out there! When I saw this store pick from Seven Star, I had to jump right one it’

Nose:

The aroma is inviting and complex. Initial notes of toasted oak and vanilla are prominent, followed by hints of caramel and cinnamon. As it opens up, subtle undertones of dark fruit emerge.

Palate:

On the palate, this bourbon is full-bodied! The first sip delivers a wave of sweet vanilla and caramel, balanced by the warmth of toasted oak. There are also notes of brown sugar and baking spices. The high proof is definitely here to play and provides a nice heat to the pour without overwhelming the flavor!

Finish:

Now here’s a Kentucky Hug! The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of toasted oak, sweet vanilla, and baking spice.

Final Thoughts:

I have loved the toasted pours here recently and this Penelope follows suit! It is a well-crafted and balanced expression that showcases how to properly do barrel finishing. The toasted barrel adds a unique layer of flavor, enhancing the traditional bourbon notes with additional depth. It's a solid pour for those who appreciate a bold, flavorful bourbon with a touch of uniqueness. If you like the heat - we are just getting started!

Cheers y’all! 🥃

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