When I revisited a bottle of Penelope Straight Bourbon Barrel Strength, sourced from MGP’s historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery, I was curious how it would hold up after sitting open on my shelf for two years. Bottled at 112 proof and carrying a minimum 4-year age statement, this $59.99 bourbon had already impressed me in the past but would it still shine?
Appearance & Nose
The bourbon poured a light amber color. On the nose, it immediately felt savory and oaky, with ripe cherry tones and an inviting warmth. I also detected subtle tobacco notes that rounded out the aroma, making the glass both intriguing and comforting.
Palate & Mouthfeel
Upon tasting, the bourbon delivered a delightful aromatic heat, spicy cinnamon gave it energy, without overwhelming the palate. Wild cherry and leather came next, layered beautifully over a comforting sweet potato pie sweetness that reminded me of home baking.
The mouthfeel was rich and oily, which made each sip feel luxurious and satisfying. The flavor balance was strong, sweet and dark fruit notes nestled comfortably beside gentle wood and tobacco. The interplay of citrus brightness, lightly dried fruit depth, and restrained spice created a nuanced experience that kept me engaged sip after sip.
Finish
The finish was long and lingered deliciously, primarily on leather and tobacco, with those fruit and sweet echoes softly fading behind. It was the kind of finish that rewarded patience, encouraging a slow exploration of the glass.
Distillery & Production
Penelope relies on a “four-grain” mash bill, blending barrels sourced from MGP’s renowned Lawrenceburg distillery, which dates back to 1847. The whiskey is produced from three distinct mash bills of corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley, then hand-selected and blended into a barrel-strength, non–chill filtered bottling. The barrels are aged 4–5 years, using #4 char for staves and #2 char on heads before blending the final product.
This expression is a testament to Penelope’s skillful blending, balancing the intensity of barrel strength with nuanced flavors drawn from multiple grain profiles.
Final Thoughts
I gave this bourbon a 9 out of 10. At 112 proof, it offered bold character without harshness; rich, oily, and complex. The marriage of fruit, spice, oak, tobacco, and leathery depth felt remarkably well-balanced and polished. Revisiting the bottle after two years just confirmed what I already knew: this one is a standout among sourced, barrel-strength bourbons and proof that Penelope has mastered the craft of blending maturity and flavor with finesse.