The Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Four Grain is a blend of three different MGP-sourced whiskeys, specifically crafted with a four grain mash bill to create a balanced flavor profile. The composition is made up of 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye, and 3% malted barley, and aged for around 4 years.

I’ve heard great things about the depth of flavors this barrel strength bourbon has to offer, and at 115.2 proof, I expect some heat as well. With the price point of around $60-$70, it seems like a great option for whiskey enthusiasts looking to try something new. In this article, I’ll explore my experience tasting this bourbon and share my thoughts on the quality of this intriguing whiskey.

Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Four Grain Overview

Product History

When I first heard about Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Four Grain, I was intrigued. This unique bourbon is a blend of three different MGP whiskeys: a rye-mash bourbon, a wheat-mash bourbon, and a “corn bourbon” made from just corn and barley. The founders of Penelope Bourbon wanted to create a whiskey with a balanced, four-grain flavor profile that would appeal to whiskey enthusiasts, and I think they’ve succeeded.

Price Range

As for the price, Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Four Grain is fairly reasonable. A bottle typically costs around $65. I believe that the price is justified, given the quality and complexity of the bourbon.

Now, let’s dive into some more interesting details of this fantastic American whiskey.

Four Grain Composition

The mashbill of this bourbon is composed of:

• 74% Corn
• 16% Wheat
• 7% Rye
• 3% Malted Barley

This creates a balanced flavor profile that highlights the characteristic sweetness of corn, the softness of wheat, the spiciness of rye, and the subtle nuttiness of malted barley.

Aging Process

Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Four Grain is aged between 3.5 and 5 years in barrels with #4 staves and #2 heads. It’s bottled at 115.2 proof and non-chill filtered, which enhances its flavor and mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes

When I sipped the bourbon, I identified flavors of:

• Brown sugar
• Caramel
• Baking spices
• Vanilla
• Oak

These elements blend harmoniously to create a bourbon that is rich and complex, but also approachable. The fact that it’s bottled at barrel strength means that there’s a bit more heat on the palate, but it doesn’t detract from the overall experience.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Upon first nosing the glass, I was greeted with an inviting mixture of honey, cinnamon, and clove. The aroma was well-balanced, making me eager to take my first sip.

Flavor

As I tasted the bourbon, I found it to be quite unique for a wheated bourbon. There was a strong presence of butterscotch, which added a smooth, buttery note to the overall flavor profile. The cinnamon and clove from the aroma carried through, mingling harmoniously with the butterscotch, creating a delightful, well-rounded taste.

Finish

The finish of this barrel strength bourbon was pleasantly warm and lasting. It left a gentle, lingering sweetness on my palate, with hints of honey and spice remaining long after my final sip.

Rating

After considering all the individual aspects of Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Four Grain, I would give it a rating of:

• Aroma: 8/10
• Flavor: 9/10
• Finish: 8.5/10

These ratings reflect my appreciation for the unique and well-balanced flavors achieved in this hand-selected bourbon. The thoughtful blending of grains and aging process truly made for an enjoyable tasting experience.

Mixing and Pairing

As someone who enjoys Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Four Grain, I’ve discovered some great ways to mix and pair this unique bourbon to enhance its flavors further. Here are some of my favorite mixers, cocktails, and food pairings to go along with it.

Best Mixers

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It has distinct notes of cocoa powder, roasted oak, and a touch of floral sweetness, which make it perfect for blending with some of these mixers:

• Orange juice: The sweetness and tanginess of the orange juice complement the bold flavors of the bourbon.
• Strawberry syrup: Enhances the fruity aspects while adding a touch of sweetness.
• Fennel soda: Adds earthy and slightly sweet licorice notes that meld well with the bourbon.

Cocktail Suggestions

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This bourbon’s bold, non-chill filtered base makes it suitable for various cocktails that enhance its flavors. Here are two of my favorite cocktail suggestions:

Penelope Barrel Old Fashioned

 Ingredients:

• 2 oz Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Four Grain
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Garnish: Orange twist, cherry

Method: In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, syrup, and bitters. Add ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist and cherry.

Penelope Chocolate Manhattan

 Ingredients:

• 2 oz Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Four Grain
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1/2 oz chocolate liqueur
• 2 dashes bitters
• Garnish: Maraschino cherry

Method: In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, vermouth, chocolate liqueur, and bitters. Add ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Food Pairings

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Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength’s blend features malted barley and distinctive flavors like dried grass and roasted oak, making it an ideal accompaniment to the following dishes:

• Smoky, barbecue dishes: The bold flavors of the bourbon pair well with the rich, grilled taste of barbecue.
• Dark chocolate desserts: The cocoa notes in the bourbon pair beautifully with chocolate-based desserts like a rich chocolate cake.
• Aged, hard cheeses: The whiskey’s roasted oak and earthy notes complement the sharp flavors of aged cheeses like cheddar or Gouda.

Conclusion

After exploring the taste and complexity of Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Four Grain, I found it to be a unique and enjoyable offering in the world of whiskey. The combination of corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley in the mash bill provides a diverse and well-balanced flavor profile. As for its price, you can expect to pay around $65-70 for a bottle, which I consider fair for this kind of bourbon.

What stood out for me was its rich color—a 1.2/2.0 on the color scale (chestnut, oloroso sherry). Part of the credit for this must go to its unique aging process of between three to four years. The process includes picking hand-selected barrels and blending them into a single batch, which adds a special touch to the final product.

In summary, Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Four Grain is an impressive offering that I recommend to those looking for something a little different and unique in their whiskey collection. The expert blending and careful aging process lead to a satisfying and complex taste experience that’s worth giving a try.