Penelope Bourbon is making waves in the whiskey world with the introduction of its exclusive 2024 Estate Collection. This new premium line-up includes three distinct offerings: Founders Reserve, Private Select, and Single Barrel, each highlighting the company's dedication to craftsmanship and innovation. By leveraging meticulously selected barrels and refined blending techniques, Penelope Bourbon has created a range of limited-availability aged whiskey and bourbon that is set to elevate its reputation among enthusiasts and collectors alike.
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A New Chapter in Bourbon Craftsmanship
At the heart of the 2024 Estate Collection is a commitment to pushing boundaries in the art of bourbon-making. Founder and Master Blender, Danny Polise, views this collection as a journey of discovery, refining Penelope’s traditional craft by experimenting with older, more mature barrels. While the brand’s earlier releases were typically aged 4 to 6 years, the new collection features 9- to 11-year-old barrels, representing a significant leap in both quality and complexity.
Polise's hands-on approach to blending and his passion for perfection are reflected in every bottle. "It was a thrill to explore the warehouses and hunt for the perfect barrels to create the collection," said Polise, emphasizing the attention to detail that went into curating each release. This focus on innovation and the selection of superior-aged barrels marks the next chapter in Penelope’s journey toward creating exceptional whiskey experiences.
The Releases: Founders Reserve, Private Select, and Single Barrel
The Estate Collection includes three distinctive expressions, each offering a unique take on aged whiskey and bourbon.
1. Founders Reserve: A Tribute to Experimental Wheat Whiskey
One of the crown jewels of the 2024 Estate Collection, Founders Reserve, is an 11-year-old experimental straight wheat whiskey, produced from a mash bill of 95% wheat and 5% malted barley. Aged in new charred American oak barrels, this release hails from the historic Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Only 24 barrels were hand-selected and batched into five separate lots, each bottled at cask strength to provide distinct nuances in flavor.
Each lot of Founders Reserve has a unique proof, offering a varied tasting experience:
- Lot B: 118.4 proof (59.2% ABV)
- Lot C: 116.6 proof (58.3% ABV)
- Lot D: 109.5 proof (54.75% ABV)
- Lot E: 107.6 proof (53.8% ABV)
- Lot F: 108.2 proof (54.1% ABV)
The whiskey features aromas of caramelized sugar, vanilla, and cherry, with a palate rich in maple buttercream, white pepper, and oak. The finish is long and savory, with lingering notes of brown sugar and toffee. Given its rarity and exceptional quality, Founders Reserve will be released in limited quantities at a suggested retail price of $199.00.
2. Private Select: A Masterclass in Blended Bourbon
Next in the collection is the Private Select, which showcases the art of blending at its finest. This annual release highlights the unique character of hand-selected 9-year-aged straight bourbon stocks sourced from two different states. With a mash bill consisting of 74% corn, 20% rye, 1% wheat, and 5% malted barley, this whiskey is bottled at 101.2 proof (50.6% ABV).
The tasting notes for Private Select include a nose of rich caramel, vanilla custard, and cherry, while the palate delivers flavors of marshmallow, sweet cherry, and black pepper. The finish brings together notes of vanilla crème brûlée, allspice, and a touch of smoke, making it a well-rounded and memorable bourbon. Limited to 6,000 cases, Private Select is available at a suggested retail price of $79.99.
3. Single Barrel: Celebrating Uniqueness in Every Barrel
The Single Barrel release is a tribute to the individuality of bourbon barrels. Each 10-year-old barrel is hand-selected, and its contents are bottled without blending, allowing the distinct flavor profiles of each barrel to shine. This release offers two mash bill options: one with 21% rye and another with 36% rye, showcasing how different grain compositions can influence a bourbon's flavor.
The Single Barrel 21% Rye variant, with a mash bill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley, is bottled at 98 proof (49% ABV). It boasts aromas of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit, with flavors of buttercream, maraschino cherry, and a hint of rye spice. The finish lingers with notes of dried cherry and marshmallow, accented by a touch of spice.
For those seeking something a bit bolder, the Single Barrel 36% Rye version offers a mash bill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley, bottled at 105 proof (52.5% ABV). This expression features butterscotch, vanilla, and light fruit on the nose, with a palate rich in candied caramel, vanilla, and chocolate cocoa. The rye-forward finish delivers lingering notes of butterscotch and roasted nuts.
Both versions of Single Barrel are priced at $89.99 and will be available starting in October.
A Collection for Every Bourbon Aficionado
The 2024 Estate Collection has something to offer every whiskey enthusiast. Whether it’s the experimental and bold flavors of the Founders Reserve, the carefully blended complexity of the Private Select, or the unique profiles found in the Single Barrel releases, Penelope Bourbon has created a premium collection that showcases the versatility and depth of aged whiskey.
As co-founder Michael Paladini put it, "These three releases showcase the best of the best in our rickhouses, allowing us to create one-of-a-kind aged whiskeys that take Penelope to new heights."
With limited quantities and distinctive flavor profiles, the 2024 Estate Collection promises to be a must-have for collectors and connoisseurs. Fans of Penelope Bourbon can look forward to these releases in select markets through retailers, e-commerce platforms, and at the Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky.
For more information on where to find the 2024 Estate Collection, visit PenelopeBourbon.com.
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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.
