Penelope Bourbon, one of the most innovative bourbon brands around these days, has released a maple syrup and rum finished whiskey.
The Penelope team took advantage of the popularity of maple with Havana and reinvented the double cask finish by adding a distinctive maple syrup cask finish to a Caribbean rum finish for a base of molasses and tropical sweetness, which completely changed the taste profile.
Image credit: Penelope
Before being utilized for Havana's second finish, the barrels used to age Penelope bourbon were reused to age maple syrup, giving them a unique life cycle. For both bourbon enthusiasts and daring beginners, this unique finish offers depth and warmth for a unique, inventive, and accessible experience.
"This is much more than a rum-finished bourbon – it's a standout in our collection of cask-finished bourbons. The maple finish is the perfect complement to the initial rum-finished bourbon by further elevating the blend and creating balance between savory, sweet and oak spice." ~Danny Polise, Penelope Bourbon Founder and Master Blender
Havana starts with Penelope's famous Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which is the most recent high-end offering in the Penelope Cooper Series of cask-finished bourbons. It is matured for four years and has a mash bill consisting of 74% maize, 7% rye, 16% wheat, and 3% malted barley.
The final expression is aged for one month in the exclusive maple syrup barrels and twelve months in Caribbean rum casks. This month, 4,500 cases (6-in) of the special edition, which is bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV), will be shipped for a suggested minimum retail price of $79.99.
Image credit: Penelope
“We’ve been working on Havana for a long time to deliver the perfect product, and we couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out. We really try to push the boundaries of innovation with every release in our Cooper Series. Havana’s double cask finish delivers rich flavor and complexity we think our fans will love.” ~Michael Paladini, Penelope Bourbon Founder and Vice President of Strategy for MGP Ingredients
Tasting Notes From The Brand
- Aroma: Molasses, banana bread, and rich maple
- Forward Notes: Four Grain straight bourbon whiskey finished in maple syrup and rum barrels
- Body: Robust caramel corn, charred oak, and candied pecans
- Finish: Lingering vanilla, brown sugar, and syrup with hints of mellow tobacco and spice
One of the five unique cask-finish releases in Penelope Bourbon's acclaimed Cooper Series is Penelope Havana. Other choices include Tokaji, which is finished in Hungarian wine barrels; Valencia, which is completed in Vino de Naranja casks from Sevilla, Spain; Rosé, which is finished in French Grenache rosé wine casks; and Rio, which is double finished in American honey and Brazilian oak casks.
