Penelope Bourbon Rio

Tasting Notes and Characteristics:

Penelope Bourbon Rio greets the palate with a vibrant, layered character that makes it an excellent choice for celebratory evenings or relaxed gatherings. With an ABV of 53%, this bourbon delivers a bold yet smooth experience, crafted in the United States using a blend of four distinct grains and finished in both American honey and Brazilian Amburana wood casks. The unique production process imparts complexity while maintaining approachability, making it appealing to both seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and those new to the spirit.

The flavor profile unfolds with notes of cinnamon, vanilla bean, toasted oak, and subtle tropical fruit from the Amburana finish. These flavors create a harmonious balance that pairs beautifully with barbecue ribs—the spice and sweetness complementing smoky meats—or with dark chocolate, where the bourbon’s warmth enhances rich cocoa undertones. Whether sipped neat or enjoyed alongside food, Penelope Bourbon Rio offers an engaging sensory journey perfect for savoring special moments.

Producer Information: Penelope Bourbon

Penelope Bourbon is based in Roselle, New Jersey, and was founded in 2018 by Michael Paladini and Danny Polise. The company began with a focus on creating approachable, high-quality bourbon that appeals to both new and seasoned whiskey enthusiasts. Penelope sources its bourbon from MGP in Indiana, blending different mash bills to achieve a balanced flavor profile. Their production approach emphasizes transparency, small-batch blending, and non-chill filtration to preserve the whiskey’s natural character.

Beyond their flagship straight bourbon expressions, Penelope Bourbon offers a diverse portfolio that includes barrel strength releases, toasted series bourbons finished in custom barrels, and limited edition cask finishes such as rosé cask or Valencia orange cask. The brand has also experimented with unique grain blends like four-grain bourbons featuring corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley. While primarily focused on American whiskey styles rather than other spirits or beer varieties, Penelope continues to expand its offerings through innovative aging techniques and collaborations within the craft spirits industry.