Penelope Barrel Strength Bourbon (Batch 7)

Sample opened for 7 weeks Aroma - Grain, caramel, grass, cherries, orange peel, cinnamon, and moderate ethanol. Palate - Caramel, unripe cherries, citrus cleaner, grain, and some rye or oak spice. The finish is medium with tannic and bitter oak appearing, strong ethanol, light caramel and vanilla, candied cherries, and raisins. Follow-up review after finishing the bottle (I shared this 3 ways for trading with friends). My assessment remains unchanged, but the flavor has evolved. The wheat's softness was noticeable when first opened; now it presents more rye-forward and significantly spicier, despite being open for nearly 2 months. Considering the price, I would choose other options on the shelf in NC. However, this is a batch release from a relatively new distillery, and I anticipate they will gradually introduce older bourbons than this 44-month-old batch 07. Many individuals in the NC whiskey community favor Penelope. It's clear they understand how to blend these younger bourbons, and I suspect they will continue to improve and create interesting products like the rose cask finish.

Opened 3 days ago. Nose - Caramel, butterscotch, mild wheat, freshly cut grass, maraschino cherries, slight orange peel, and moderate ethanol. Palate - Caramel, maraschino and medicinal cherries, citrus cleaner, wheat/grain, and a distinct ethanol bite. The finish is medium with tannic and bitter oak present, strong ethanol, light caramel and vanilla, candied cherries, and raisins. These are my initial thoughts. This bourbon has been highly praised for a while by a friend, but I hadn't been able to locate the barrel strength versions in my area until last week. So far, it's good stuff; I'm not entirely convinced it surpasses similarly sourced bourbons in this price bracket. It has a profile reminiscent of a higher proof E.H. Taylor Jr. Small Batch or Maker's 101, with that mellow wheat, caramel, and cherry character. We will see how it evolves.

Warm, well-rounded sweet notes, with a fig character. The aroma is very much like a Fig Newton. There's some heat, but it's not overwhelming. Hints of sugar cookie with cinnamon and some toasted notes appear at the end. It's nicely balanced.

Nose: Strong orange peel, a bit of leather, faint tobacco. Taste: Leather and tobacco. Not particularly robust, sweet, or thick, but it's a good taste overall. Would be a nice pairing with a cigar.

Highly enjoyable. It's 114 proof but drinks smoothly without harshness. It has character with various notes, including classic bourbon characteristics. Will update with more details.

It has a pleasant nose and a sweetish caramel apple flavor on the palate, but then it becomes flat and disappears, leaving me wanting more.