Penelope Bourbon has announced the eagerly awaited second annual release of its Penelope Toasted Rye Whiskey. Following the remarkable success of last year's edition, which scored an astounding 99 points and won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the 2024 release is set to captivate whiskey enthusiasts with its rich and nuanced flavors.
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Crafting a Unique Rye Experience
This year's expression continues the tradition of excellence that Penelope Bourbon is known for. The 2024 Toasted Rye Whiskey is crafted from a meticulously chosen mash bill comprising 95% rye and 5% malted barley. What makes this whiskey stand out is its finishing process. After aging for six years, the whiskey is transferred to freshly toasted barrels, a technique that imparts a unique and complex flavor profile.
The freshly toasted barrels play a crucial role in shaping the final product. The process of toasting the barrels brings out distinct characteristics that enhance the whiskey's flavor. The barrels used for this year's release have a char 2 profile, which, according to Daniel Polise, founder and master blender of Penelope Bourbon, brings out rich butterscotch notes. This addition adds layers of depth and complexity to an already exceptional rye whiskey.
A Symphony of Flavors and Aromas
Penelope Toasted Rye Whiskey is celebrated for its intricate and well-balanced flavor profile. On the nose, it offers a bouquet of sweet butterscotch aromas, which immediately entice the senses. As you take a sip, the palate is greeted with a harmonious blend of vanilla and toasted marshmallow. These sweet notes are perfectly balanced by hints of light tobacco and fruit, creating a multifaceted taste experience.
The finish of Penelope Toasted Rye is long and satisfying, characterized by a sweet dessert-like quality. Subtle notes of orange peel and spice add a layer of complexity, making each sip a memorable experience. This combination of flavors and aromas showcases the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Penelope Bourbon is known for.
The Journey to Excellence
The journey to create this exceptional rye whiskey is a labor of love and dedication. Michael Paladini, founder of Penelope Bourbon, expressed his excitement for this release, highlighting the success of last year's edition and the anticipation surrounding the 2024 release. “After what we achieved with last year’s release, we are really excited for our second installment,” said Paladini. “Our first Toasted Rye scored 99 points at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and we’re confident this release will be equally well received.”
Daniel Polise, who is not only a founder but also the master blender, emphasized the significance of the finishing process. “After aging the rye whiskey for six years prior to finishing, this year’s release resulted in a profile that we believe will really stand out,” Polise noted. The choice of the char 2 profile for the finishing barrels was deliberate, bringing out the rich butterscotch notes and adding layers of depth to the selected barrels.
Availability and Pricing
For those eager to experience this exceptional rye whiskey, Penelope Toasted Rye Whiskey (Batch 24-304) is now available on shelves. However, it is important to note that this release is limited, with only 9,000 cases produced. Each 750ml bottle is priced at a minimum suggested retail price of $74.99, making it a coveted addition to any whiskey collection.
Penelope Bourbon's Growing Legacy
Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has rapidly established itself as one of the fastest-growing whiskey brands in the United States. The brand is named after founder Michael Paladini's daughter, a testament to the personal connection and dedication behind the brand. Penelope Bourbon is renowned for its unique blends and finishes, offering a range of expressions that cater to diverse palates.
Penelope’s core offerings include Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect, and Toasted Bourbon, all of which have received over 40 awards and industry accolades. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation is evident in every bottle. In 2024, Penelope Bourbon continued to make waves in the industry, winning Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for both Barrel Strength (96 points) and Toasted Rye (99 points). Additionally, the brand received Double Platinum at the ASCOT Awards for Barrel Strength, Double Gold for Rio, and an Innovation Award for Toasted at the SIP Awards.
In addition to their main expressions, Penelope Bourbon continues to push the boundaries with new and innovative limited releases. Their Cooper Series, Limited Releases, and Founders Reserve lines offer unique and exciting options for whiskey enthusiasts. Today, Penelope Bourbon products are available in 47 states and three countries, a testament to the brand's expanding reach and popularity.
The Future of Penelope Bourbon
The release of the 2024 Penelope Toasted Rye Whiskey marks another milestone in the brand's journey. With each new release, Penelope Bourbon continues to solidify its reputation as a producer of high-quality, innovative whiskey. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, Penelope Toasted Rye offers a memorable and satisfying drinking experience.
As Penelope Bourbon continues to grow and innovate, whiskey enthusiasts can look forward to more exciting releases and expressions. The brand's dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation ensures that each bottle of Penelope Bourbon is a testament to the hard work and passion of its founders.
In a world where whiskey lovers seek unique and exceptional experiences, Penelope Bourbon stands out as a beacon of excellence. The 2024 Penelope Toasted Rye Whiskey is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, creativity, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of whiskey production. For those lucky enough to get their hands on a bottle, it promises to be a journey of flavor and enjoyment that will be remembered for years to come.
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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.