Penelope Private Select 9 Year Bourbon (2024 Estate Collection)

Aroma - Oak, orange creamsicle ice cream, caramel, with subtle bread notes. As it develops, a minty rye character becomes more noticeable and prominent. My initial impression is that the palate might lack depth. Taste - Everything detected in the aroma is present on the palate. The viscosity is average, but the finish is genuinely quite pleasant. I'm getting a lot of that aged, almost dry oak with the orange creamsicle essence. The alcohol is also quite apparent for the stated proof. In fact, as the finish progresses, the alcohol intensifies, and the orange creamsicle note recedes into the background. Following that transition, vanilla begins to emerge. That's an interesting progression. Overall - The finish is the saving grace here. The nose and initial flavors on the palate are nice, but not extraordinary, just very well-balanced and pleasant. Above average, honestly. But then the finish takes you on a journey from sweetness to heat, then back to a different sweetness. This dynamic finish makes you want another sip because your palate is demanding more, experiencing its own thrill. At the $80-$90 price point, I would certainly purchase it. However, $100 is pushing it. Anything higher is likely not worth it. I'd save the money and buy two $50 bottles instead. There's simply no justification for spending over $100.

The nose is exceptional, featuring stone fruit like peach and plum, lime zest, spun sugar, French vanilla, nutmeg, fresh cut grass, and a touch of musty paper. No ethanol detected. I'm unsure whether to keep smelling it or drink it. Alright, I'll drink it. The palate presents bread pudding, raisins soaked in brandy, concord grape, almond butter, cinnamon sugar, peach, and apricot. The flavors are deep, rich, and complex. It's not as bright as typical MGP whiskey of this age, likely due to the addition of Kentucky bourbon to the blend. The finish is a wonderfully slow transition into soft, sweet toasted oak, cinnamon roll, white pepper, burnt sugar, plum, and a hint of char. It's a little brief, but what's there is nearly flawless. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied, smooth, and slick, without any graininess. An absolute triumph. What a surprise. I spent $99.99 on this, which I know is a bit above the suggested price, and it's still a fantastic deal. To think some people are spending $100-$200 more for whiskies that aren't nearly this good. I'm going to buy another one tomorrow.

Glass: Glencairn, allowed to rest for 15 minutes. Color: Medium amber. Nose: Butterscotch, toffee, chocolate, very sweet. Palate: Cinnamon red hots, sweet clove, baking spice. Finish: Lingering and moderately warm. With water: A subtle minty note emerges. Overall: 9.5/10 - This was a gift from a friend, and I was quite impressed by the complexity and the overall flavor profile. I'd certainly recommend it!

Nose: cornflakes, marshmallows, slight orange, baking spice. Palate: pecan, sweet brown sugar, the four grain is noticeable from the mash bill, more baking spice on the back, tannins slowly build but aren't overpowering.

This bourbon is expertly made, hitting a great proof. Since MGP now owns Penelope, the quality of the spirit is excellent.

It's better with a few drops of water than neat, but I preferred the Single Barrel Estate Collection.