Penelope Bourbon Rosé Cask Finish

The aroma presents corn/grain followed by a light floral scent. You can certainly detect some rose. After a while, it develops notes resembling raw cookie dough, with hints of uncooked flour, brown, and white sugars. The vanilla gradually emerges, reinforcing the raw cookie dough impression. Upon the first sip, I immediately perceive a light bourbon character (grain/oak/vanilla) and sweet strawberry. I'm unsure if this was my imagination, but there was a distinct initial strawberry hit. Eventually, the flavors recede, and I have to search more for the fruity notes. There's a subtle spice, but at 94 proof, it dissipates quickly. Finally, I'm left with more strawberry, but it's an underripe variety, revealing more earthy/grassy elements of the fruit. It's quite thin with a short finish. I suspect this is partly due to its delicate flavor profile and lower proof. The finish also has an almost light rosé wine quality, which is usually undesirable in bourbon but seems fitting here.

I purchased this based on a review and I completely agree. It's excellent, light, and refreshing. I perceive notes of strawberries and champagne layered over a subtle whiskey base. This should not be compared to any Kentucky bourbon. My wife, who dislikes bourbon, finds this delicious. So, go in with realistic expectations, but it's a nice bottle to have for a change of pace or for guests who aren't bourbon enthusiasts.

Smells floral, fresh, clean, and sweet. The palate reflects the nose well; it's quite distinctive and nicely balanced. Sweet, floral, with notes of strawberry and bright red fruits, it has a pleasant creaminess. The aroma is uniquely fresh and clean, reminiscent of spring water. It develops well with a bit of spice and a mild warmth on the finish. Exceptionally unique, very good flavor, and superbly balanced.

Aroma: unremarkable, reminiscent of rosé wine and light whiskey Taste: Light, fruity, with strawberry notes Finish: brief, not much lingers Overall: Quite pleasant. It lacks complexity, is light and fruity, and easy to drink. I view it more as a mixed drink component than a bourbon, and if you approach it with that mindset, I believe you'll find it quite enjoyable.

I'm unsure what went wrong here. It's not a bad bourbon, but for the cost? I'd have preferred sipping some Evan Williams Black Label. I get absolutely no rosé cask flavor from this whiskey, and frankly, it comes across as harsh and thin. This was very disappointing, especially since I enjoyed the Penelope Toasted Finish whiskey.

Nose: bright fruit notes of pears along with berries and a slight hint of ethanol Palate: light brown sugar, honey, cream, and some oak spice. Finish: the oak spice lingers longer than the proof would suggest, and then fades into a fruit and yogurt mix at the end