Penelope Bourbon celebrates a unique chapter in whiskey history with its latest release of American Light Whiskey.
This year’s release features whiskey distilled at 189 proof in 2006 at the historic Seagram’s site in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, which is now the Ross & Squibb Distillery. The whiskey was aged for 17 years in second-fill oak barrels and bottled at cask strength of 138.8 proof (69.4% ABV). The result of the unique distilling and aging process is a surprisingly smooth, mellow profile.
A limited supply of Penelope American Light Whiskey will be available beginning in February in select markets at a minimum suggested retail price of $99.99 per 750-,l. bottle.
In contrast to typical higher proof bourbons, Penelope American Light Whiskey is an approachable expression.
“American Light Whiskey is always one of our favorite releases of the year,” says Michael Paladini, Penelope founder and vice president of strategy for MGP. “We released a 13-year-old American Light Whiskey in 2021 and a 15-year-old in 2024. This year’s release will be a 17-year-old American Light Whiskey, which are the oldest barrels we have ever released. Rich and flavorful, this is truly a special whiskey, and we are excited to get it out into the market.”
Penelope American Light Whiskey is crafted from a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley. With sweet and smooth aromas of butterscotch, cake batter and cotton candy, Penelope American Light Whiskey imparts flavors of brown sugar, vanilla bean ice cream and light orchard fruits, according to distillery notes. The finish features notes of light butter, waffle cone and powdered sugar.
“This release is the result of an innovative chapter in the history of American whiskey,” says Danny Polise, Penelope founder and master blender. “The high corn mash bill and long aging really brings out unique character in the batch. It’s truly been a pleasure to watch this whiskey evolve with aging and be able to release this 17 year batch after our prior 13 and 15 year releases.”
Penelope American Light Whiskey is part of Penelope’s annual Limited Releases. Other Limited Releases include F*ck Cancer and award-winning Toasted Rye. A product locator for the Penelope family of bourbons can be found here.
