Penelope Bourbon is bringing back its highly anticipated Rosé Cask Finish bourbon just in time for summer sipping. The eighth batch of this limited-edition whiskey continues to celebrate the unique combination of bourbon and rosé wine, promising a refreshing and distinctive experience for enthusiasts. Priced at $49.99 per 750 mL bottle, this release is sure to catch the eye and palate of both bourbon and wine lovers alike.
Image credit: Penelope Whiskey
Penelope Rosé Cask Finish bourbon stands out not only for its taste but also for its eye-catching pink tint, a rarity in the bourbon world. This unique hue is achieved by finishing the bourbon in Grenache rosé wine casks sourced from the prestigious Southern Rhône region of France. The result is a bourbon that combines traditional whiskey notes with the delicate flavors imparted by the rosé casks.
The bourbon itself is crafted from Penelope’s signature Four Grain mash bill, which includes 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye, and 3% malted barley. Bottled at 94 proof, the Rosé Cask Finish bourbon delivers a complex profile. On the nose, it offers an inviting aroma of candied fruit and cream, complemented by floral and herbal notes. The taste begins with refreshing and sweet hints of vanilla, gradually transitioning to herbal, floral, and strawberry cream flavors. The finish is rich, featuring vanilla with hints of strawberry and lingering notes that invite another sip.
The Rosé Cask Finish bourbon was first introduced in 2020, marking it as one of the world’s first bourbons finished in French rosé wine casks. Its initial release was met with both curiosity and acclaim, quickly becoming a favorite among consumers. Its success paved the way for its inclusion in Penelope’s Cooper Series, a collection of whiskeys finished in various wine casks from around the globe.
The Cooper Series takes Penelope’s straight whiskeys on a flavorful journey, each expression highlighting a different wine influence. Besides the Rosé Cask Finish, the series includes Penelope Valencia, finished in Spanish Vino De Naranja barrels; Penelope Tokaji Cask Finish, utilizing Hungarian Tokaji wine casks; and the most recent addition, Penelope Rio, which is finished in honey and Brazilian Amburana barrels. This series showcases Penelope’s innovative approach to whiskey making, blending traditional bourbon craftsmanship with international wine finishes.
Michael Paladini, founder of Penelope Bourbon, expressed his enthusiasm for the latest batch, stating, “Batch 8 offers a wonderful combination of sweet and delicate flavor, perfect for the summer, at a new shelf price of $49.99. This highly anticipated release offers something truly special for bourbon and wine enthusiasts alike.”
Daniel Polise, co-founder and master blender, also emphasized the unique nature of the Rosé Cask Finish. “Finishing our signature Four Grain bourbon in hand-selected rosé casks from Southern France creates a distinctive flavor alliance. I think consumers will appreciate the elegant and memorable look and taste of Rosé Cask Finish.”
Penelope Bourbon operates as a non-distilling producer, sourcing its whiskey from MGP Ingredients in Indiana. The partnership between Penelope and MGP has grown stronger, culminating in MGP’s acquisition of Penelope in May 2023. This acquisition has enhanced the collaboration between the two companies, allowing for more innovative releases like the Rosé Cask Finish.
For those eager to try Penelope Rosé Cask Finish or explore other offerings from the Cooper Series, Penelope provides a product locator to help find retailers carrying these unique bourbons. This latest batch is not just a drink but an experience, offering a distinctive and refreshing option for the summer. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, Penelope Rosé Cask Finish promises to be a memorable addition to any bourbon collection, especially for those looking to savor something truly unique.
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About Penelope Whiskey
Penelope Bourbon is a relatively new player in the American whiskey scene, founded in 2018 by three childhood friends with a shared passion for whiskey. Based in New York City, Penelope Bourbon is named after one of the founder's grandmothers, reflecting the brand's commitment to heritage, tradition, and family values. Despite its short time in the market, Penelope Bourbon has quickly gained attention for its high-quality spirits and innovative approach to whiskey-making.
One of Penelope Bourbon's distinguishing features is its unique blending process, which involves marrying small batches of bourbon from different distilleries to create a final product with a balanced and complex flavor profile. The distillery carefully selects barrels from various sources, including Kentucky and Tennessee, to achieve the desired characteristics and ensure consistency in each bottle of Penelope Bourbon.
Penelope Bourbon offers a range of expressions, including its flagship Penelope Four Grain Bourbon, which is crafted from a blend of corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley. This bourbon is aged in new charred oak barrels and boasts a smooth and mellow flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. Penelope Bourbon also releases limited-edition and special bottlings, allowing enthusiasts to explore new and unique expressions.
In addition to its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Penelope Bourbon is dedicated to giving back to the community and supporting charitable causes. The distillery partners with organizations that share its values, donating a portion of proceeds from select products to support initiatives such as environmental conservation, social justice, and education.
With its focus on quality, innovation, and community engagement, Penelope Bourbon has earned a loyal following among whiskey enthusiasts and collectors. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, Penelope Bourbon offers a taste of American whiskey-making tradition and a memorable drinking experience for all.
