Penelope Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review & Tasting Notes

Penelope Bourbon has expanded its Core Series by introducing Penelope Wheated Bourbon, marking a significant addition to its esteemed collection. This latest offering enhances the Penelope range with a wheated bourbon, which is noted for its versatility owing to judicious proofing and competitive pricing. Penelope Wheated is presented at 95 proof (47.5% ABV) with a recommended minimum retail price of approximately $39.99. The designation "wheated" signifies the use of wheat as the secondary flavoring component in the mash bill, replacing Rye, which imparts a softer, sweeter flavor profile that is widely appreciated. Wheated bourbons remain a popular choice among connoisseurs. Penelope Wheated Bourbon features a meticulously crafted mash bill comprising 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye, and 3% malted barley.

Appearance: Light golden amber

Nose: The nose is very welcoming. I get a noticeable aroma of cinnamon sticks, sweet corn, caramel, warm honey, orange zest, and a light vanilla scent with light touches of charred oak and nutmeg. I'm thinking of a warm Cinnabon with a sweet bourbon glaze.

Palate: Penelope Wheated's expertly crafted four-grain mashbill offers a sophisticated blend of sweet and spicy flavors. Upon tasting, one encounters an elegantly layered profile beginning with cornbread, cinnamon, and honey, seamlessly transitioning to subtle notes of light caramel candy complemented by hints of vanilla, nutmeg, clove, and delicate oak. While presenting a somewhat light mouthfeel, the initial sip delivers a vibrant array of warm cinnamon, honey, and orange zest. The mid-palate experience reveals the refined presence of barley and wheat grains, harmoniously softened by the gentle touch of honey.

Finish: The finish dissipates gracefully, with a gentle, lingering presence. It features warm cinnamon, gentle rye spice, light charred oak, and a hint of white peppercorn; the spice lingers enjoyably.

Final Thoughts: Penelope Wheated Bourbon delivers a balanced experience with its unique four-grain mash bill. It provides a sweet and soft profile with a subtle spiciness from adding Rye, all at a consumer-friendly price of $40.

An outstanding attribute of Penelope Wheated Bourbon lies in its mashbill, which resembles Penelope Four Grain. The principal distinction is the subtle modification: Wheated Bourbon contains 1% less corn and an additional 1% wheat compared to the Four Grain's mashbill. It is noteworthy that the Four Grain mashbill represents an intricate blend of multiple bourbons, incorporating three distinct mashbills to unite four grains—corn, wheat, Rye, and malted barley—in contrast to the single mashbill formulation of Wheated Bourbon. The brand's strategic alignment of the Four Grain and Wheated Bourbon mashbills is particularly intriguing. An 80-proof rating characterizes the white label Four Grain Bourbon and utilizes a blend of three barrels aged 2 to 3 years.

In comparison, wheated Bourbon is crafted at 95 proof with barrels aged between 4 and 6 years, enhancing its flavor complexity and depth. Penelope Wheated Bourbon is accessible and appealing to bourbon connoisseurs across all experience tiers. Its moderate proof and harmonized flavor profile make it equally adept for sipping neat or as a sophisticated addition to cocktails, particularly for those who favor a softer wheated bourbon enriched with a hint of rye spice to enhance its character. It's a pleasant and unique bourbon, and I'll keep a bottle in my collection.

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