Penelope Wheated Bourbon

Color: Medium-light amber Nose: Maple, molasses, leather. A fantastic aroma, reminiscent of other great noses I've experienced. Palate: Butterscotch, licorice, graham cracker. Slightly sweet with spicy oak. Medium body with very little burn. Buttery sensation on the back of the tongue. Finish: A fairly long finish with baking spices... I'd say "nutmeg," but I'm not certain. Well now... Occasionally, I find a rather inexpensive bottle that immediately impresses me. This is one of those instances. I'd noticed it on my grocery store shelf for a few weeks, and it caught my eye initially. I finally decided to purchase a bottle, and I'm pleased I did. This is excellent bourbon for its price. I've seen comparisons made to Weller, and I completely understand the connection; I wouldn't be shocked if it outperformed it in a blind tasting. I will certainly buy this again. I'm rating this a solid 4.25 stars.

NEAT AROMA - Sweet Corn, Vanilla, and Honey TASTE - Very light on the palate. This is adequately sweet, but not excessively so. The vanilla and honey come through on the palate and it transitions to a buttery caramel note. This is a four-grain whiskey, but I don't detect any hint of spice here. A very beautiful bourbon at an attractive price point. FINISH - The finish fades slowly but doesn't linger. I am satisfied with the finish at this age and price point. BUY? - Absolutely. BUY AGAIN? - Yes. It's an obvious choice at this flavor and price point.

On the nose, it's classic wheated bourbon – slightly dusty, sweet, and inviting. The palate is oily, light, and sweet. Caramel flavors hit immediately, transitioning into an unusual blend of scotch-like burn and bourbon notes (not bad, just different), finishing with vanilla and cinnamon, leading to some warmth. The finish isn't exceptionally long but doesn't vanish quickly. It's tasty, with a bit of spice toward the end, tasting slightly higher proof than it is, but for the $35 I paid, it's a great choice. I was impressed; it's enjoyable.

Glass: Glencairn, rested 15 minutes. Color: Light amber. Aroma: Cornbread with a hint of cinnamon. Taste: Baking spice, clove, a hint of cinnamon. Finish: Medium length with medium heat. Splash: No new flavors are revealed. Overall: 7.5/10 - This is an unusual disappointment from the Penelope line, but considering the price, I can't really complain.

Neat, it's dry, with flavors of sour apple and cinnamon. There's really only one dominant flavor - cinnamon. Not the candy kind, just spice and astringency. One small ice cube reduced the astringency and lessened the spice intensity. It lacks any complexity. It has a thin mouthfeel. For $40, I would rather buy Bernheim and Larceny for my wheater preference.

This is just solid. No need to overthink it… I could easily see this competing with the Weller range and winning. The palate offers sweet honey alongside expected bourbon notes. It brings me joy, and I'm wishing this becomes the next Weller Special Reserve (without the supply issues).