Penelope Architect Build No. 11

Penelope Architect Series, batch #11, aged 4 years, finished with French oak staves, 52% ABV. 750 ml for $60 (on sale from $66) in Idaho. Tasting neat. A rosy copper hue with substantial legs in the glass. The aroma presents oak, stone-like minerality, late-season orchard fruit, and dry grass, with a subtle touch of astringent ethanol and spice in the background. The mouthfeel on the palate is smooth, coating, and oily. Oak and oak char/toast dominate initially, sweet yet dry and tannic. This leads into a finish of dry oak char, accompanied by some overly ripe, earthy fruit sweetness and spicy grass. A very dry, spicy, and tannic finish that persists. An ice cube enhances the oak char's sweetness and permits notes of grain and citrus or white grape to emerge. I previously sampled and rated (4.5) the Architect Build #8, and I wish I could compare it to this #11. It strongly resembles a double barreled/toasted bourbon profile due to the addition of French oak staves to the original barrel. That pronounced oak flavor might deter some individuals. Personally? I prefer that profile over a simple vanilla brown sugar easy sipper. It possesses more character, especially for an initial pour, offering something easier to follow up with. Alternatively, just add an ice cube. I will continue tasting and contemplating. First impression: very good.

Undiluted: Vanilla, spun sugar, oak, spicy. Quite good.

Wood, zest, earth