As the leaves turn and the air carries that first real bite of autumn, there's nothing quite like settling into a chair on the porch with a drink that feels like home. Penelope Bourbon gets that. They've just rolled out their Apple Cinnamon Old Fashioned, a ready-to-pour gem that's set to make those cooler evenings a little warmer. It's not just another cocktail—it's a nod to the classics, dressed up for the season, and poured straight from the bottle without any fuss.
Picture this: you're firing up the grill one last time before the real chill sets in, or maybe hosting a few buddies for a game on TV. No shaker, no measuring spoons, just twist off the cap and let it flow over ice. That's the beauty of what Penelope's doing here. This limited-edition release hits shelves in 2025, crafted in small batches to keep things special. They blend straight bourbon with a touch of rye whiskey, then layer in apple cinnamon bitters and a hint of simple syrup. The result? A sip that pulls you right into the heart of fall, evoking memories of backyard bonfires and family recipes passed down through the years.
Penelope isn't new to this game, but they're always finding ways to keep it fresh. This Apple Cinnamon Old Fashioned slides in as the third star in their ready-to-pour lineup, right alongside the Peach Old Fashioned and Black Walnut Old Fashioned. Those two are available all year long, no matter the weather, and they've been turning heads. Just this year, at the 2025 ASCOT Awards, both snagged platinum medals in the Pre-Mixed Cocktail category. It's a big deal—proof that Penelope's not just riding the wave of ready-to-pours but leading the charge in a market that's exploding with options for guys who want quality without the hassle.
Michael Paladini, the guy who founded Penelope and now serves as vice president of strategy for MGP Ingredients, couldn't be more excited about this one. "Our Apple Cinnamon Old Fashioned is the third addition to our popular ready-to-pour portfolio, and it's absolutely perfect for this time of year," he said. "The bourbon and rye blend used for this Old Fashioned makes this the perfect pour for the fall." You can hear the pride in his voice, the kind that comes from knowing you've nailed something simple yet spot-on.
What sets this apart isn't just the convenience—it's the taste that lingers. Crack open a bottle, and the aroma hits first: think warm apple pie fresh from the oven, mixed with the comforting steam of holiday cider on a crisp morning. On the palate, it's a balanced ride—sweet fruit notes dance with rich caramel, a whisper of light oak, and just enough spice to wake things up. Then the finish rolls in like a gentle close to the evening: hints of cinnamon rolls with that sticky vanilla glaze, a nod to churros dusted in sugar, and a subtle tree fruit that fades slow and satisfying. It's the kind of drink that makes you pause, glass in hand, and appreciate the quiet moments.
Danny Polise, co-founder and master blender at Penelope, had a hand in shaping this one, and he kept it straightforward. "We wanted to give the Old Fashioned a seasonal touch but still make it something you'd pour anytime," he explained. "We didn't overthink it. Apple and cinnamon are timeless flavors that fit naturally with what we already love about this classic cocktail, adding a touch of warmth and spice." That's the ethos here—no gimmicks, just enhancements that respect the Old Fashioned's roots while inviting you to enjoy it on your terms. Whether you're nursing it solo after a long day or sharing stories around the fire pit, it fits right in.
The bottle itself is a conversation starter, too. Penelope packages it in their signature matte white 750mL glass, but they've given it a seasonal flair with deep apple-red lettering that stands out on any bar cart or shelf. Clocking in at 80 proof—or 40% ABV—it's got enough kick to feel substantial without overwhelming the subtleties. And with about 12 servings per bottle, it's built for more than one night; think of it as your go-to for tailgates, holiday kickoffs, or just unwinding through the months ahead.
Availability kicks off limited this year—11,000 cases total, rolling out across 12 states: Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. If you're in one of those spots, keep an eye out; it'll hit shelves with a suggested retail price of $29.99, which feels fair for something this thoughtful. Come January 2026, though, it expands nationwide, so no one's left out of the fun for long.
To really get why this lands so well, you have to step back and look at Penelope's story. Launched back in 2018, the brand has shot up as one of the quickest climbers in the premium whiskey world, racking up awards left and right for their smooth, flavorful takes on straight bourbon and rye. They're all about blending and finishing in ways that surprise without straying too far from what works. Their ready-to-serve cocktails are a natural extension of that—handcrafted, premium, and dead simple to enjoy.
The accolades speak volumes. They've notched more than 50 wins across the spirits scene, including a best-in-class finalist nod and double gold for their Toasted expression at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Wheated bourbon took home double platinum at the ASCOT Awards the same year. And don't forget those Peach and Black Walnut Old Fashioneds we mentioned—platinum all the way. It's this track record that builds trust; when you reach for a Penelope bottle, you know you're getting something that's been vetted by the pros.
At the core of it all is innovation wrapped in tradition. Penelope keeps pushing boundaries through their Cooper Series, Limited Releases, and Estate Collection, always aiming to carve out a spot among the elite names in whiskey. It's a reminder that great things come from passion and grit—pouring heart into every batch, every blend. Whether you're a longtime bourbon man or just dipping your toe into ready-to-pours, this brand proves there's room for both the old guard and the fresh ideas.
Backing all this is Luxco, the powerhouse that's been in the game since 1958. Started by the Lux family in St. Louis, they've grown into a major player—producing, supplying, importing, and bottling top-shelf alcohol with a focus on delivering what folks really want. Since 2021, they've operated under MGP Ingredients Inc. as the Branded Spirits division, which means serious resources behind the scenes. Their portfolio pulls from four key distilleries: Ross & Squibb in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Penelope and Remus bourbons come to life; Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, crafting Rebel, Ezra Brooks, and Blood Oath; Limestone Branch in Lebanon, Kentucky, behind Yellowstone Bourbon; and even Destiladora Gonzalez Lux in Arandas, Mexico, for 100% agave tequilas like El Mayor and Exotico.
It's a lineup that covers a lot of ground, but Penelope stands out for its approachable edge—the kind of whiskey that invites you to linger rather than intimidate. In a world where cocktails can feel like a chore, this Apple Cinnamon Old Fashioned strips it back to the essentials: flavor, ease, and that unmistakable warmth of the season.
So next time the sun dips low and the shadows stretch across the yard, grab one if you can. Pour it neat, over a big cube, maybe with a twist if you're feeling fancy. Let it transport you to those fall days that stick with you—the crunch of leaves underfoot, the smell of woodsmoke in the air. Penelope's bottled a piece of that magic, and it's ready for your glass. For more on what's pouring from them, swing by PenelopeBourbon.com, or keep up on Facebook and Instagram. Here's to the sips that make the season sing.
