Penelope Straight Bourbon 750ML

Penelope Straight Bourbon 750ML is a 95-proof (47.5% ABV) straight bourbon whiskey built from a blend of multiple mashbills in a 750ml bottle. The brand has earned recognition at major spirits competitions, and this flagship expression showcases the layered complexity that comes from marrying distinct grain recipes before bottling.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47.5%  |  Origin: Kentucky / Indiana, USA  |  Straight Bourbon (Multi-Mashbill Blend)  |  Sourced from MGP (Ross & Squibb Distillery)

Production & Heritage

Penelope Bourbon was founded by Mike Paladini and sources its whiskey from MGP's Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana — one of the most established bourbon and rye production facilities in the United States. What distinguishes the Penelope approach is its blending philosophy: rather than bottling a single mashbill, the brand marries multiple bourbon mashbills — incorporating varying ratios of corn, rye, and malted barley — to create a more dimensional flavor profile than any single recipe would deliver on its own. The resulting liquid is aged in new charred American oak barrels and bottled at a robust 95 proof without chill filtration, preserving body and texture.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Butterscotch and toasted vanilla lead the nose, followed by cinnamon bark and a subtle dried orange peel. Underneath, light oak char and brown sugar add warmth and depth.

Taste: The entry is soft with caramel and toffee before rye spice builds across the mid-palate, introducing cracked black pepper and clove. At 95 proof, the bourbon carries weight without overwhelming heat, letting baked apple and roasted grain flavors emerge as the sip develops.

Finish: Medium in length with toasted oak, lingering cinnamon, and a faint nuttiness. The finish dries gently, leaving a pleasant warmth that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Penelope Straight Bourbon

At 47.5% ABV, this bourbon drinks well neat or with a single ice cube, which opens up the caramel and spice layers without diluting the blend's structure. A few drops of water will soften the rye kick for those who prefer a rounder profile. Its versatility also makes it a strong cocktail base: try it in an Old Fashioned, where the toffee and oak stand up to bitters and sugar; a Bourbon Sour, where the spice cuts through citrus and egg white for a balanced drink; or a Manhattan, where its multi-mashbill complexity adds dimension alongside sweet vermouth.

Best For

• Bourbon drinkers exploring blended mashbill expressions beyond single-recipe bottlings
• Building a home bar with a proof-forward, versatile mixing bourbon
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast interested in independent American brands
• Side-by-side tastings comparing blended vs. single-mashbill bourbon styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Penelope Straight Bourbon taste like? Penelope Straight Bourbon delivers a caramel and toffee core accented by rye spice, cinnamon, and toasted oak. The 95-proof bottling strength gives it noticeable warmth and body without excessive heat.

How does Penelope Straight Bourbon compare to Four Roses Small Batch? Both bourbons blend multiple mashbills, but Penelope sources from MGP in Indiana while Four Roses distills in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky using its own proprietary yeast strains. Penelope tends to lean spicier with more overt rye influence, whereas Four Roses Small Batch emphasizes fruit and floral character at a lower 90 proof.

Is Penelope Straight Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes — the 95-proof strength is approachable enough for neat sipping while carrying enough intensity to hold up in cocktails. The multi-mashbill blend provides layered flavors that reward slow, attentive tasting.

Where is Penelope Straight Bourbon made? Penelope Bourbon is sourced from MGP's Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a facility with a distilling history dating back to the 1800s. The brand was founded by Mike Paladini and has built its identity around the art of blending multiple bourbon mashbills.

What foods pair well with Penelope Straight Bourbon? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complement the bourbon's caramel sweetness and spice. Dark chocolate with sea salt echoes the toffee notes. Aged cheddar or Gruyère match the toasted oak character. Pecan pie amplifies the nutty, brown sugar finish. Charcuterie with dried fruit provides a savory-sweet contrast to the rye backbone.

What sizes does Penelope Straight Bourbon come in? Penelope Straight Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Penelope Straight Bourbon worth the price? Penelope Straight Bourbon positions as a mid-range bourbon that competes directly with well-known labels like Bulleit and Four Roses Small Batch. Its multi-mashbill blending approach and 95-proof bottling strength deliver complexity and versatility that justify its place in the category.

Why Penelope Straight Bourbon?

The defining characteristic of Penelope Straight Bourbon is its multi-mashbill blending — a technique more common among large distillers but rarely highlighted as a brand's central philosophy. By marrying distinct grain recipes from MGP's extensive bourbon inventory, each batch achieves a layered profile that single-mashbill bourbons often cannot replicate in a single bottle. The 95-proof bottling strength strikes a practical balance: enough backbone for cocktails, enough nuance for neat pours. For drinkers seeking an American whiskey that prioritizes blending craft over single-barrel mythology, Penelope offers a compelling and well-executed alternative.