Penelope Barrel Strength is aged for a minimum of 4 years, as stated on the label. However, it is unlikely that the aging process extends beyond 5 years. The use of Penelope's proprietary “4-Grain Mash Bill” adds complexity and depth to the bourbon.
The mash bill of Penelope Barrel Strength incorporates a blend of three different bourbons from MGP (Midwest Grain Products), which is a renowned distillery known for producing high-quality spirits. One of the bourbons used in the blend is a 21% rye bourbon from MGP, which contributes a spicy and slightly herbal character to the final product.
Another component is MGP's 99/1 bourbon, which means it is made with 99% corn and 1% malted barley. This bourbon provides a sweet and smooth profile, with the corn providing a rich and mellow flavor.
The final bourbon in the blend is MGP's 45% wheat bourbon. Wheat bourbons tend to have a softer and more delicate character compared to their rye counterparts. The use of wheat in the mash bill adds a creamy and slightly sweet note to Penelope Barrel Strength.
Combining these three bourbons in Penelope's 4-Grain Mash Bill creates a harmonious balance of flavors, showcasing the best qualities of each whiskey. The aging process allows these flavors to develop and mature over time, resulting in a complex and well-rounded bourbon.
While the exact aging period for each barrel used in the blend may vary slightly, Penelope Barrel Strength ensures that all barrels have been aged for at least 4 years. This aging period allows the bourbon to absorb flavors from the oak barrels, resulting in additional depth and complexity.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste a variety of aged spirits, including bourbons. The aging process plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavors and aromas of the spirit. It allows the whiskey to mellow out and develop a smoother texture, while also imparting woody and vanilla notes from the oak barrels.
In my personal experience, bourbons that have been aged for at least 4 years tend to exhibit a well-balanced flavor profile. The blend of bourbons used in Penelope Barrel Strength, combined with its aging period, likely results in a bourbon that offers a delightful combination of sweetness, spice, and complexity.
Penelope Barrel Strength is aged for a minimum of 4 years, allowing the flavors of the 4-Grain Mash Bill to develop and mature. The result is a bourbon that showcases the best qualities of each component, offering a rich and nuanced drinking experience.