Penelope Wheated Bourbon

Overview
Penelope Wheated Bourbon marks the newest addition to the brand's core series, blending a four-grain mashbill with a subtle wheat emphasis for reliable, approachable flavors at an accessible price point. It distinguishes itself through purposeful blend construction, offering more depth than many $40 competitors.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Penelope has built a reputation among enthusiasts for limited editions like Founders Reserve and the Estate Collection. This wheated expression features a subtle 1% wheat increase over the Four Grain bourbon, creating noticeable differences in blend depth. Co-founder and Master Blender Danny Polise highlights the intentional variations despite minor mashbill shifts. Components are blended such that no single distillate exceeds three grains.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Cornbread, salted butter, caraway seed, and mineral savoriness lead, with cinnamon applesauce, fennel, and tarragon herbal notes adding complexity and depth beyond typical $40 offerings.
• Palate: Easy-drinking profile emphasizes approachable balance from the wheated mashbill, with subtle grain interplay.
• Finish: Clean and casual, ideal for relaxed sipping without overwhelming intensity.

Notable details

• Production: Four-grain bourbon bottled at 95 proof; blended components limited to no more than three grains per distillate.
• Lineage: From Penelope, a brand focused on innovative annual and special releases now expanding its core range.
• Comparison: Outpaces many $40 bourbons in nose depth while prioritizing drinkability.
• Availability: MSRP around $40, positioned for everyday home bar use.

"Penelope Wheated Bourbon delivers reliable, approachable flavors at an excellent value price, making it a worthwhile addition to any home bar." – Drinkhacker

Closing
A straightforward, value-driven wheated bourbon for casual enthusiasts seeking depth without pretension.

Sources

[1] Drinkhacker – "Review: Penelope Wheated Bourbon"

[2] Thewhiskeywash – "Penelope Wheated Bourbon Review"

[3] Breakingbourbon – "Penelope Wheated Bourbon Review | Breaking Bourbon"

[4] Bourbonbanter – "Penelope Wheated Bourbon Joins Core Lineup at 95 Proof"

[5] Bourbonbanter – "Penelope Bourbon Review"

[6] Drinkhacker – "Review: Penelope Bourbon Omega"

[7] Drinkhacker – "Review: Penelope Bourbon Valencia"

[8] Drinkhacker – "Review: Penelope Bourbon Havana"

[9] Thewhiskeywash – "Penelope Bourbon Architect Review"

[10] Bourbonblog – "Penelope Bourbon’s 2025 Estate Collection Unveiled: Founders Reserve 13 Year, Omega 11 Year, Single Barrel, and Private Select"