Penelope 9 Year Private Select Barrel Strength Bourbon

BATCH #: 23-202, PROOF: 109, ABV: 54.5% TASTED NEAT NOSE: Abundant brown sugar harmonized with caramel and oak. PALATE: Lovely mouthfeel – thick and viscous. The palate echoes the nose, with a hint of rye spice that isn't detected during the aroma phase. FINISH: Extended, rich, and sweet. SHOULD I BUY IT? - Definitely. SHOULD I BUY IT AGAIN? - I would. They are currently releasing these under their “Estate Collection”. While I wouldn't rush to stockpile them, I'd certainly purchase another bottle when this one runs low.

I was given a sample from a friend. It's 109 proof. I used a Glencairn glass and let it sit for 15 minutes. It has a medium amber color. The aroma has caramel and fruit, with a touch of leather. The taste has clove and baking spices. It's surprisingly not harsh. The finish is warm but not very long. Adding a splash brings out a mild minty note. Overall score: 8.5/10. This is a well-crafted bourbon with a pleasing complexity, blending some unexpected flavors with more classic ones. It drinks much lighter than its 109 proof suggests.

Served straight in a rocks glass. NOSE Woody notes, oak presence. A hint of sweetness. PALATE Likewise woody, oaky flavors. A rather mellow burn. COMMENTS Thoroughly enjoyed this. It's akin to an elevated rendition of what an uninitiated individual might imagine Jack Daniels or Jim Beam to taste like. It presents as classic whiskey, executed masterfully. Exceptionally well done.

This spirit offers a quite pleasant flavor profile with a complex finish. It provides a nice, bold taste upfront and a slow warmth on the finish.

Quite sweet with toffee notes. It has a slight warmth but isn't medicinal at all. It's good and smooth, but likely not worth the $78 price tag.

Decent flavor, a bit of heat. Satisfactory finish. Likely not worth the price, but a good bourbon nonetheless.