In a world where life's toughest battles often hit close to home, one bourbon brand is stepping up with more than just a good pour. Penelope Bourbon, known for its smooth, award-winning whiskeys, has teamed up with FCancer, a nonprofit that's all about flipping the script on cancer through prevention, early detection, and real support for those in the thick of it. This partnership isn't just talk—it's bringing out two special whiskey blends designed to rally folks around a cause that affects way too many families. And with a hefty donation push totaling over half a million bucks from Penelope and their retail buddy SharedPour, it's clear this is about making a real dent in the fight.
The story behind this collaboration hits hard, especially for anyone who's watched a loved one go through the wringer with cancer. It all started a few years back when a guy on the Penelope team, Brian Aten, wanted to do something meaningful after losing his wife to brain cancer. He pitched the idea of crafting a special bourbon to honor her memory, and what began as a personal tribute turned into an annual tradition. Now, three years in, Penelope is cranking it up a notch with their biggest run yet, partnering officially with FCancer to spread awareness and back their work in communities that need it most.
Brian, who's the Tennessee state manager for Penelope and the driving force behind these blends, puts it straight: Cancer doesn't discriminate—it leaves scars on everyone it touches. This release is a way to remember those who've passed, cheer on the fighters still in the ring, and basically give the disease the boot. Teaming up with FCancer feels right because they're all about community and connection, just like sharing a bottle with friends around a fire pit. Julie Greenbaum, co-founder and chief revenue officer at FCancer, echoes that sentiment. She sees Penelope as the perfect ally, folks who get that bringing people together can spark real change. Their donation will help fuel programs that save lives, and she's pumped about what their combined communities can achieve.
Now, let's talk about the whiskeys themselves, because these aren't your everyday bottles. The main FCancer blend is a crowd-pleaser, bottled at 94 proof with a suggested price around 80 bucks for a 750ml. It's got this inviting nose of cracked black pepper mixed with spice, caramel, vanilla, and a zesty citrus kick. On the palate, you get lively baking spices blending into sweet caramel and vanilla, with a touch of smoke and roasted nuts that lingers nicely. The finish wraps up with more caramel, spice, cherry notes, and those roasted nuts hanging around like a good conversation. They're producing about 10,000 cases of this one, shipping out nationwide starting in September, so it's got a shot at reaching a lot of shelves and raising even more eyebrows about the cause.
Then there's the Barrel Strength version, a limited beast at 114.6 proof for about 100 bucks, available only through SharedPour online come October. This one's richer, starting with aromas of sweet cream and brown sugar that pull you in. The taste delivers baking spices, thick honey, toffee, and that caramelized brûlée edge—think of it as dessert in a glass, but with enough backbone to stand up on its own. It's got a sweet, balanced finish that makes it perfect for sipping neat or over a big ice cube on a quiet evening. Jay West, the guy behind SharedPour (you might know him as T8KE online), is thrilled about how this project has grown from a small thing into something national. He's chipping in a quarter-million to the donation pot, calling it a privilege to be part of blends that do more than just taste great.
Both bottles come with a cool twist: a QR code on the label that takes you straight to a donation page for FCancer. It's an easy way for anyone picking up a bottle to toss in a few extra bucks and feel like they're part of the team. Danny Polise, Penelope's founder and master blender, keeps it real about why this matters. For him, it's personal—rooted in that teammate's loss and now a yearly nod to everyone affected. These whiskeys are more than liquid; they're a symbol of standing together, honoring the fallen, and backing the warriors.
To kick things off right, there's a live event set for October 29, 2025, at the Parlor Room in Austin, Texas. It's the first big fundraiser for this partnership, with country singer William Beckmann headlining to get the crowd fired up. Tickets go for 60 bucks on the FCancer site, and every cent heads straight to their programs. Imagine a night of good music, great bourbon, and folks coming together to say enough is enough to cancer. It's the kind of gathering that builds on the momentum each year, turning awareness into action.
Diving deeper into FCancer, they're not waiting around for some magic cure—they're tackling the stuff that gets overlooked, like prevention and catching it early. Billions pour into research for treatments, but early detection and support? Not so much. FCancer steps in with navigators in at-risk areas, hooking people up with HPV vaccines to stop cancer before it starts and screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung issues. They also provide hands-on help for dealing with the day-to-day grind of cancer, plus education to empower folks to take charge of their health. It's practical, no-nonsense work that makes a difference right now.
On the bourbon side, Penelope started back in 2018 and shot up fast, earning awards left and right for their blends and finishes. They've got straight bourbons, whiskeys, and even ready-to-serve cocktails that pack flavor without the fuss. Recent wins include a best-in-class finalist and double gold for their Toasted at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition this year, plus double platinum for Wheated and platinums for Peach Old Fashioned and Black Walnut Old Fashioned at the ASCOT Awards. They're always pushing boundaries with series like Cooper, limited drops, and estate stuff, proving that heart and hustle can build something special in the whiskey world.
Penelope falls under Luxco, a St. Louis outfit since 1958 that's now part of MGP Ingredients. They handle a bunch of brands across distilleries in Indiana, Kentucky, and even Mexico for tequilas. Places like Ross & Squibb in Lawrenceburg crank out Penelope and Remus, while Lux Row in Bardstown does Rebel and Ezra Brooks. It's a solid backbone that lets Penelope focus on crafting whiskeys that folks love to share.
At the end of the day, this partnership is a reminder that sometimes the best way to fight back is with what you know best. For Penelope, that's bourbon—smooth, bold, and built for bringing people together. Whether you're grabbing a bottle to toast a memory or heading to Austin for the event, it's all about joining the charge against a foe that's taken too much from too many. Here's to more stories of strength, fewer losses, and a future where cancer gets the middle finger it deserves.
