Penelope Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey
Penelope Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey is an uncut four-grain bourbon at around 115 proof in a 750mL bottle — a batch-blended straight bourbon, non-chill-filtered and hand-bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: batch-variable, typically ~115 proof (57.5% ABV); uncut and non-chill-filtered
- Size: 750mL
- Mash bill: four-grain, blended from 3 bourbon mash bills — 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye, 3% malted barley
- Aging: non-age-stated core line; brand cites ~3.5–6 years in new American oak depending on batch
- Awards (per the brand's official sales sheet): Double Gold, 2020 SFWSC; Platinum, 2020 SIP Awards; 93 pts Wine Enthusiast; 92 pts The Tasting Panel; 90 pts Whisky Advocate
- Origin: distilled in Lawrenceburg, IN and Bardstown, KY; blended and hand-bottled by Penelope Bottling Company, Bardstown, KY (company founded in New Jersey, 2018; acquired by MGP/Luxco in 2023)
Batch-Blended, Bottled Uncut
Penelope — founded in 2018 by Mike Paladini and Danny Polise, named for Paladini's daughter — built its following on blending: three distinct bourbon mash bills, married in Bardstown and bottled uncut at barrel strength so each batch shows its own proof. The four-grain recipe leans on wheat for softness, and at cask strength the whiskey delivers the full measure of that oak and grain. Browse the Penelope range, or explore more bourbon in the cellar.
Tasting Notes
Brown sugar and vanilla bean over toasted oak and baking spice, with wheat-driven softness under the heat. Full and chewy at barrel proof — a few drops of water open caramel and dried cherry.
How to Enjoy
Neat with water on the side to find your proof; it also makes a formidable Old Fashioned. Each batch is bottled at its own strength, so check your bottle for the exact proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proof of Penelope Barrel Strength?
It varies by batch — documented batches run roughly 112–117 proof, typically around 115. The bottle states the exact figure for that batch.
Is Penelope Barrel Strength chill-filtered?
No — it is uncut and non-chill-filtered.
What is the mash bill?
A four-grain blend of three mash bills: 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye, 3% malted barley.
Has it won awards?
Per the brand's official materials: Double Gold at the 2020 SFWSC, Platinum at the 2020 SIP Awards, and 93 points from Wine Enthusiast.
Barrel strength, no compromises: order Penelope Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.