Penelope Bourbon is set to unveil the 2024 edition of its annual Valencia release, continuing the brand’s tradition of blending its straight bourbons with distinctive cask finishes from world-renowned winemaking regions. This year’s Valencia release brings a taste of southern Spain to the world of bourbon by pairing Penelope’s Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey with Vino de Naranja casks from Sevilla, Spain. The result is a complex, citrus-infused expression that captures the bold flavors and aromas of Spain’s iconic orange wine while retaining the smooth, balanced character Penelope Bourbon is known for.
The latest installment of Penelope Valencia is bottled at 95 proof, delivering an alcohol content of 47.5% ABV, and comes with a suggested retail price of $79.99 for a 750mL bottle. With only a limited allocation of 5,000 cases being shipped in August, this release is expected to generate significant interest among bourbon enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The inspiration behind the 2024 Valencia release is Vino de Naranja, a traditional Spanish wine that hails from Sevilla’s coastal wine region. Made by infusing white wine with the bitter and aromatic peels of Seville oranges and aging it in oak barrels, Vino de Naranja is celebrated for its deep, rich citrus notes and vibrant aroma. While Seville oranges are not typically consumed raw due to their sharp and bitter flavor, they are highly prized for making marmalades, juices, and this unique style of wine. Penelope Bourbon’s decision to finish its Four Grain bourbon in these Vino de Naranja casks allows the whiskey to absorb the distinctive orange character of the wine, resulting in a one-of-a-kind spirit.
Michael Paladini, founder of Penelope Bourbon, emphasized the brand’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation with each year’s release. “We’re constantly evolving and tweaking our processes with the goal of making our products better year over year,” said Paladini. “This year’s Valencia is a great example of that commitment, and we’re excited to share it for fans to enjoy.” The 2024 Valencia release represents a step forward in refining the interplay between bourbon and wine cask finishing, delivering a product that is both rich in flavor and true to its roots.
The whiskey itself features a mash bill of 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, and 3% malted barley—a recipe that provides a balanced foundation for the unique cask finish. After maturing, the bourbon is then aged for up to 12 months in the Vino de Naranja barrels, allowing the wine’s citrus and spice elements to deeply infuse the whiskey. The result is a whiskey with a complex aroma featuring bold spice, iced coffee cake, and a sweet orange glaze. On the palate, Valencia offers layers of citrus zest, mandarin, vanilla, and candied ginger, with a smooth yet savory finish accented by notes of orange peel and black pepper. These flavors provide a sensory experience that highlights the richness and depth of both the bourbon and the Spanish orange wine.
Daniel Polise, co-founder and master blender of Penelope Bourbon, expressed his excitement about working with the Vino de Naranja casks, noting that the orange wine producer in southern Spain creates barrels that bring exceptional depth to the whiskey. “These are some of my favorite wine barrels to work with,” Polise said. “The producer we partnered with from southern Spain creates exceptional orange wine, and this year’s release has fantastic, rich orange and citrus notes that really stand out from last year’s tangerine notes.” The evolution in flavor from last year’s release to this year’s highlights Penelope’s ongoing experimentation and refinement in the art of cask finishing.
Valencia is part of Penelope Bourbon’s Cooper Series, a lineup of special cask-finished releases that explore the diverse influences different wine regions can have on bourbon. Alongside Valencia, the Cooper Series includes other noteworthy releases such as Rio, double-finished in American honey and Brazilian oak casks; Rosé, finished in French rosé wine casks; and Tokaji, finished in Hungarian wine casks. Each release offers its own distinct flavor profile while adhering to Penelope’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The 2024 Valencia release has already garnered attention within the whiskey community, earning recognition as one of the Top-10 Whiskeys Under $100 by Whiskey Raiders and taking home a Silver medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. These accolades further cement Penelope Bourbon’s reputation for producing high-quality, innovative whiskeys that appeal to both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
Since its founding in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has rapidly established itself as one of the most dynamic whiskey brands in the United States. Named after founder Michael Paladini’s daughter, Penelope has focused on creating a series of uniquely blended and finished bourbon and rye expressions that deliver a smooth and flavorful drinking experience. The brand’s core expressions—Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect, and Toasted Bourbon—have collectively earned over 40 awards and industry accolades, including multiple Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the ASCOT Awards.
Penelope Bourbon’s ability to consistently push the boundaries of flavor while maintaining a commitment to quality has driven its success and expansion. The brand is now sold in 48 states and seven countries, a testament to the widespread appeal of its products. With each new release, Penelope continues to explore innovative finishing techniques that showcase the versatility of bourbon, while staying true to its core values of craftsmanship and creativity.
For those interested in exploring Penelope’s offerings or locating a bottle of the 2024 Valencia, additional information can be found on the brand’s website and social media platforms. As the popularity of cask-finished bourbons continues to grow, Penelope Bourbon’s annual Valencia release stands out as a testament to the art of blending tradition with innovation.
Shop Penelope Whiskey
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.