Picture this: a sturdy American bourbon, born in the heartland, gets shipped across the Atlantic to lounge in barrels that once cradled fine French Cognac. Sounds like a wild idea, right? That's exactly what happened with the latest drop from The Liquor Bros – an exclusive single-barrel pick called Penelope Project X, finished in those very Cognac casks. This isn't just another bottle on the shelf; it's a bold experiment that's got whiskey lovers talking about how far the spirit can stretch its legs.
The Liquor Bros, those sharp-eyed curators who hunt down everything from solid daily sippers to those unicorn rarities, went straight to Penelope Bourbon's Project X series for this one. They hand-picked barrel number 2265-2, bottled it straight up at 108 proof – that's 54% alcohol by volume, folks – without filtering or cutting it down. No messing around here; what came out of the barrel is what goes in the glass.
What makes this whiskey stand out is that Cognac finish. After maturing like any respectable bourbon, it spent extra time soaking up the essence of authentic French Cognac casks. The folks at The Liquor Bros say it builds a profile that's rich yet spiced just right, layering on flavors that dance between familiar American oak and something a bit more elegant from across the pond.
Let's break down what your nose and tongue will pick up, straight from the brand's own tasting notes. On the nose, you get sweet toasted oak leading the way, backed by vanilla bean, a drizzle of caramel, and candied nuts with a whisper of cinnamon. Take a sip, and the palate turns creamy and full, hitting you with honeyed oak, charred marshmallow, and those deep dark chocolate espresso notes that linger like a good conversation.
The finish? It's long, smooth, and sticks around with baking spice and a sweetness from dried fruits. This isn't a quick hitter; it's the kind that rewards slow pouring over a couple of ice cubes or neat in a sturdy glass after a long day.
Penelope's Project X line is all about shaking things up. While most bourbons stick to the script – corn, rye, barley, new charred oak – this series dives into wild finishing techniques. They've been turning heads in the American whiskey scene, proving that tradition doesn't have to mean staying in one lane. Finishing in Cognac casks is just one way they're expanding the playbook, and it's catching on big time with distillers nationwide.
Why this barrel specifically? The Liquor Bros team tasted through options and zeroed in on 2265-2 for its standout balance and depth. These guys ship to customers all over the country, making it easy to grab hard-to-find bottles without hunting down dusty shelves. And at a time when finished whiskeys are exploding – think stouts, ports, even exotic woods – this Cognac twist adds another chapter to the story of American spirits getting creative.
Speaking of the trend, more and more U.S. producers are jumping on cask finishing. The process is straightforward: take your aged bourbon, move it into barrels that held Cognac, and let the wood impart those brandy-soaked nuances. It pulls in fruity, nutty, sometimes floral vibes that you just don't get from standard aging. Penelope Project X fits right into this wave, offering something distinctive without straying too far from bourbon's roots.
If you're looking to add this to your cabinet, it's a 750ml bottle retailing at $99.99, but The Liquor Bros has it on a limited-time deal for $79.99. Grab it exclusively from their website before it vanishes – these single-barrel exclusives don't sit around long.
This release comes amid a broader shift in the whiskey world, where experimentation is king. From everyday pours to high-end collectors' items, the push for unique finishes is reshaping what hits the market. Penelope's efforts with Project X highlight how American distillers are borrowing from global traditions, like France's Cognac heritage, to craft bottles that surprise and satisfy.
For anyone who's spent years chasing the perfect pour, whether it's comparing notes on overrated scotches or hunting alternatives to the big-name bourbons, this Penelope pick deserves a spot on the radar. It's proof that a little cross-continental influence can elevate a classic without losing its soul. Pour one, savor the layers, and think about where whiskey might head next.
