On a recent blitz through the Commonwealth State, I was fortunate enough to be part of a small barrel selection team to pick a Penelope Bourbon. Penelope, a name chosen to commemorate the impending birth of one of the partner’s daughters, was chosen to celebrate life’s pleasures- big and small.  This is a brand that is widely available in the United States and comes in a variety of recipes.  They have come on the whiskey scene strongly over the last few years with rave reviews of their Toasted, Architect, Barrel Strength, and wine barrel finished selections.  We were invited to select a “Toasted’ barrel- one of my favorites.  

To begin, let me explain what is meant by “Toasted.” To be classified as a bourbon, the distillate must be aged in a new charred, oak barrel.  If it is not, it is not a bourbon. Charring is one of the last steps a barrel undergoes before it’s ready to accept whisky. Coopers (barrel makers) create char by setting controlled fires inside of the barrels. The fires burn the inner surface of the barrel, breaking down compounds & creating a layer of carbon.  This opens the wood up making it easier to extract colors and flavors.  This is an important step since 100% of its color, and 75-80% of its flavor, comes from the wood.  Most barrels are burnt anywhere from 15 seconds to one minute, depending upon the distiller’s exact specifications.  Picture this like ordering a steak rare (Char #1), medium rare (Char #2), medium (Char #4), or well-done (Char #4). These char levels play a pivotal role in how whiskies age and taste.  In this instance, we were selecting a barrel with a Char level of 5- a heavy toast. The mash bill is 74% Corn/21% Rye/5% Malted Barley and comes in at 100 proof.  Penelope Bourbon is distilled at MPG’s (Midwest Grain Products) historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery.  

Our pick began at 10:00 am…a challenging time to taste whiskey.  But also, a great time to drink whiskey as your palate is still relatively clean. Also, is there a bad time to sip whiskey? We met up at the Lux Row Distillery in The Bourbon Capitol of the World-Bardstown, Kentucky.  In 2021, MGP acquired and merged with Luxco Spirits.  All their Penelope picks are now done here at the beautiful stone house that sits 50 yards outside of their gift shop. It’s been beautifully restored and a great environment to gather in. Before our tasting, we were given a tour of their facilities and distillation area. This is a smaller operation as compared to some of the big boys, but it creates a special feeling of privacy and intimacy. It is the cleanest production space I’ve been in and that carried out to their retail shop and grounds.  It’s just a beautiful, pristine place.

We were escorted to our tasting room. A historic room with a stone fireplace, leather furniture, and rich wood tables. They had selected three different options for us to sample. Our barrel would come from one of these three. This was a relatively quick process as the four of us on the team easily agreed on our choice. I know I tried to drag it out a bit to enjoy the moment. It’s not often I’ll find myself in this situation and I was enjoying it immensely. Afterwards, we visited their bar and were given a few tastes of some of their other brands.  This included Penelope Rio which has been nearly impossible to grab.  An added treat as well as the glassware and swag we left with.

This barrel will be bottled and sent to The Wine Palace in Livonia, Michigan sometime this fall.  I can’t specifically comment on price, but this should fall in the $75-$80 range.  Expect to taste some vanilla, oak, and caramel flavors.  On the finish, you’ll get some cinnamon, reminiscent of the old school red-hot candy.  This is a bottle worth picking up.

I’m going to preach to you again. When you have a free weekend, preferably a long weekend, go and visit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. If you’re able to schedule some tours, that’s great.  But there are plenty of tastings and gift shops to keep you and your wallet busy even if you can’t lock in a tour. There is tremendous history here and the area is just gorgeous.  And if you do get there, make sure to put Lux Row on your list. You’ll enjoy their offerings.