Penelope Barrel Strength Bourbon (Batch 12)

Taste - neat in a glen cairn glass. This is batch 14 at 112 proof. Aroma- A wonderful old leather book cover hits you first. Then a touch of ripe berries followed by traditional caramel. In the background is something more vegetable that reminds me of edamame before a nice sushi dinner. Palate- Opens with a pop of pepper and that leathery, musty note. I love that! This dissipates to a bit of savoriness. After the spicier notes subside, I get some underlying butterscotch candy. Finish- Long finish, but not overwhelming. Those tangy berry notes persist, and the edamame note returns to aid the exit. Overall- This was a very pleasant surprise. I'm usually not a fan of four grains in one mashbill. That "straight off the silo floor" malty taste ruins the experience for me. This, however, increased my interest. I found it big, bold, traditional bourbon-like, but different enough to keep me engaged. Definitely a bottle that will spark much conversation with friends. As you can see from my description, this would be amazing paired with a nice sushi dinner. Skip the sake; this would be a fantastic pairing.

It has a brass color with a slight amber tint. The legs form very slowly and move down the glass just as gradually. Once they start, they don't leave much behind in the glass. The aroma is light, with caramel, tart fruit (like currants and unripe blackberries), and warm spices, along with underlying malt grain notes. It's hot on the palate right from the start. This is due to the alcohol content, as well as the flavor profile. Cinnamon and clove are prominent throughout, and a hint of white pepper adds to the intensity. A bready sweetness remains in the background, leading to a long and well-balanced finish. It brings to mind fine wood shavings, and a soft caramel chew. Adding a drop of water naturally enhances it and slows the flavor development. However, it doesn't reduce the heat on the mid-palate, which emphasizes the spiciness of this offering. It's a very solid bourbon. Complex and intriguing with a medium to long finish. It could use a bit more richness and depth, but I am satisfied nonetheless!

Penelope Straight Bourbon Whiskey Cask Strength Batch #12 113.9 Proof Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Appearance: Medium amber. Smell: Butterscotch with notes of vanilla and raisins. Taste: Some oak, baking spices and cloves. Aftertaste: Long and warm. Splash: Vanilla returns, mixed with clove and oak tannins. Summary: 8/10 - The aroma is the highlight, and the finish is incredible. A few drops of water mellows the clove spice and allows the oak and vanilla to emerge.

Damn good. Smells great, tastes great, and not overly spicy. My only complaint is that the finish could have a bit more flavor, but honestly, this is excellent.