Penelope Bourbon has rolled out its 2025 Estate Collection, and it’s making waves in the whiskey world. This lineup of five distinct bourbons, all aged at least 10 years, is a showcase of craftsmanship, bold flavors, and a nod to tradition with a modern twist. With a reimagined Founders Reserve, a brand-new Omega expression, and award-winning Single Barrel and Private Select offerings, this collection is poised to be a standout for bourbon lovers across the country. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this release special, from the barrels to the bottles, and why it’s worth seeking out.
A Legacy of Quality
Since its founding in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has carved out a reputation as one of the fastest-growing premium whiskey brands in the U.S. Based out of Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and operating under MGP Ingredients’ Luxco division, the brand has consistently delivered smooth, flavorful bourbons that resonate with enthusiasts. The 2024 Estate Collection set a high bar, earning platinum at the 2025 ASCOT Awards and gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Single Barrel, with Private Select also snagging gold at both the ASCOT and SIP Awards. The 2025 collection builds on that success, promising even richer profiles and broader availability.
Michael Paladini, Penelope’s founder and vice president of strategy at MGP Ingredients, emphasizes the collection’s significance: “Our Estate Collection brings together the best bourbons we release each year.” This year’s lineup, with its increased age statements and innovative finishing techniques, reflects the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries while staying rooted in Kentucky bourbon tradition.
The Lineup: Five Bourbons, Endless Character
The 2025 Estate Collection features five expressions, each with its own personality, mash bill, and story. Whether you’re after a cask-strength sipper or a nuanced single barrel, there’s something here for every palate. Here’s a breakdown of each offering, complete with tasting notes and details to help you decide which bottle to chase.
Founders Reserve 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($199.99)
The crown jewel of the collection, Founders Reserve, is a 13-year-old bourbon that embodies patience and passion. With a mash bill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, it’s bottled at a robust cask strength of 121.4 proof (60.7% ABV). Only 3,700 cases (three bottles per case) will hit select markets in September, making it a prized find for collectors. Packaged in a striking deep green box, this bourbon is as much a visual statement as it is a flavor powerhouse.
On the nose, Founders Reserve greets you with rich caramel and vanilla, laced with subtle tobacco and candied fruit. The palate delivers a complex mix of toasted nuts, graham cracker, sweet oak, butterscotch, and dark fruit. The finish is long and warm, with caramel sweetness giving way to black pepper spice and lingering heat. At $199.99, it’s a premium pour, but its depth and rarity make it a worthy splurge for special occasions or a quiet evening by the fire.
Omega 11 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($129.99)
The newcomer to the lineup, Omega, is a game-changer. This 11-year-old bourbon, finished for an additional year in Radoux Omega French Oak barrels, brings a modern edge to the collection. The barrels, crafted by Radoux Cooperage using rare, tight-grain oak from prestigious French forests, are selected with OakScan® technology to ensure precise flavor profiles. This data-driven approach results in a whiskey that’s both refined and bold, bottled at 109.8 proof (54.9% ABV) with a mash bill matching Founders Reserve (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley). Only 1,800 cases (six bottles per case) will be available, so it’s the rarest of the bunch.
Omega’s aroma is inviting, with warm vanilla, honey, toffee, and a hint of allspice. On the palate, it unfolds with brown sugar, dark fruit, leather, and cocoa, creating a rich, layered experience. The finish is a sweet-spicy dance of cinnamon gum and buttery nougat, leaving a smooth, lingering warmth. Priced at $129.99 and dressed in a burgundy and gold label, Omega is a must for those who appreciate innovation in their bourbon.
Single Barrel 10 Year Bourbon ($89.99)
The Single Barrel offerings are all about individuality, with each barrel hand-picked for its unique character. The 2025 release includes two distinct mash bills, both aged 10 years and priced at $89.99, making them the most budget-friendly of the collection.
- Mash Bill 1 (75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley, 99 proof/49.5% ABV): This expression offers a classic bourbon profile with a touch of rye spice. The nose is full of vanilla, caramel, dried fruit, and plum, while the palate brings caramel, butter toffee, wild cherry candy, and a light rye kick. The finish is warm, with cinnamon, frosting, and lingering spice. With 1,300 cases available nationwide, it’s a solid choice for those who love a balanced, approachable bourbon.
- Mash Bill 2 (60% corn, 36% rye, 4% malted barley, 103 proof/51.5% ABV): This higher-rye version leans into bold spice. The aroma features caramel, vanilla, and graham cracker, followed by a palate of apricot, vanilla, and light chocolate. The finish is long and rye-driven, with notes of vanilla custard and roasted nuts. With 2,400 cases available, it’s a bit easier to find and perfect for those who enjoy a spicier pour.
Both Single Barrels are non-chill filtered, preserving their rich, natural flavors, and offer great value for their complexity and age.
Private Select 10 Year Bourbon ($79.99)
The Private Select is a masterclass in blending, combining hand-selected 10-year-old barrels into a harmonious whole. With a mash bill of 74% corn, 20% rye, 1% wheat, and 5% malted barley, it’s bottled at 106.8 proof (53.4% ABV). At $79.99, it’s the most accessible of the collection, with 6,900 cases (six bottles per case) hitting retailers nationwide in September.
The nose opens with rich caramel, cinnamon, and red fruits, setting the stage for a palate of caramel, brown sugar, cherry, and baking spice. The finish is a crowd-pleaser, with vanilla honey bun notes mingling with oak spice and a touch of smoke. This bourbon’s versatility makes it ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail like an Old Fashioned.
Innovation Meets Tradition
What sets the 2025 Estate Collection apart is its blend of time-honored bourbon-making and cutting-edge techniques. The Omega expression, in particular, showcases Penelope’s willingness to experiment. “We’ve been working with these French Oak finishing casks from Radoux Cooperage,” says founder and master blender Danny Polise. The result is a whiskey that feels both classic and forward-thinking, appealing to traditionalists and adventurers alike.
The collection also reflects Penelope’s growth since its 2018 debut. In just seven years, the brand has gone from a newcomer to a heavyweight, earning accolades like a double gold medal for its Toasted expression and a double platinum for its Wheated bourbon at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and ASCOT Awards, respectively. The 2025 Estate Collection builds on this momentum, offering higher age statements and larger allocations than ever before.
Where to Find It
The 2025 Estate Collection hits shelves in September, with first access at Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky, on Friday, September 5, at 9 a.m. EST. For those not in the area, Penelope’s product locator (available on their website) can help track down bottles at retailers nationwide. Given the limited allocations—especially for Omega and Founders Reserve—it’s wise to act fast.
Why It Matters
For bourbon enthusiasts, the 2025 Estate Collection is a chance to experience Penelope at its peak. Each expression offers something unique, from the cask-strength intensity of Founders Reserve to the innovative finish of Omega and the approachable complexity of the Single Barrel and Private Select. Whether you’re a collector hunting for that green-boxed Founders Reserve or a casual sipper looking for a new favorite, this collection delivers.
Penelope’s rise in the bourbon world is a testament to its founders’ vision: to create whiskey that’s approachable yet sophisticated, traditional yet innovative. As Paladini puts it, “This year’s collection is our most exciting and accessible yet.” For anyone who loves a good bourbon, that’s a promise worth raising a glass to.
About Penelope Bourbon and Luxco
Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has quickly become a go-to for premium whiskey lovers. Known for its smooth, rich flavors and innovative finishes, the brand has racked up awards, including top honors at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and ASCOT Awards. Operating under Luxco, a St. Louis-based producer founded in 1958, Penelope is part of a portfolio that includes Rebel, Ezra Brooks, and Yellowstone bourbons, as well as premium tequilas. Luxco’s acquisition by MGP Ingredients in 2021 has only strengthened its ability to deliver top-tier spirits. For more details, check out PenelopeBourbon.com or Luxco.com.
