102: Penelope Bourbon

Bourbon Lens

We’re joined by friends and co-founders of Penelope Bourbon, Mike Paladini and Danny Polise. Penelope Bourbon was founded out of a passion for family, friendship, and great bourbon. We enjoyed sitting down with Mike and Danny to discuss the brand, its origin story, and 3 different bourbons in their lineup. Penelope is distilled at the famed MGP, but blended with diverse input from Mike and Danny.

They’ve hit on something with their Four Grain blend and are staking their claim in the ultra-drinkable 80 proof category. But don’t worry, they’ve also planned regular releases of Cask Strength bourbon and some unique finishes, including Rosé Wine Cask finish. We’re excited about Penelope’s plans for the future, including a long-awaited Kentucky release and another unique finish that we’ve not heard anyone explore. Tune in to find out more about Penelope.

Find Penelope online at Shared Pour (affiliate link)

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Cheers,Scott, Michael & JakeBourbon Lens

About the Brand:

Mike Paladini teamed up with his close friend and childhood next door neighbor, Danny Polise. Penelope Bourbon is a company that was crafted in the classic entrepreneurial tradition. Mike Paladini and his wife, Kerry teamed up with his close friend and childhood next door neighbor, Danny Polise. Both grew up in Basking Ridge, NJ. They began to embark on creating a bourbon that everyone could enjoy and love.

Both found out in 2018 that their wives were expecting. Mike and Kerry always knew that if they had a girl, her name would be Penelope. The day they found out they were having girl, a light bulb went off. Mike and Kerry decided they wanted to bring together two things they both love so dearly – their soon-to-be baby girl, Penelope and Straight Bourbon Whiskey. A company was born.

Penelope Bourbon is distilled at MGP's historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery. The distillery was founded in 1847 and purchased by Seagram in 1933. Nestled on 113 acres of rolling hills in a castle that holds more than a century of distilling history, Castle & Key blends and bottles Penelope Bourbon under the direction of Mike Paladini and Danny Polise.

*Photo Credit to Penelope Bourbon

About the Bourbons:

Four Grain Bourbon - 80 Proof - “First Steps” Batch

• signature four grain straight bourbon whiskey blended from three bourbon mash bills.
• $34.99
• Non chill filtered
• 75% Corn; 15% Wheat; 7% Rye; 3% Malted Barley
• 2-3 Years Old
• #4 Staves, #2 Heads
• Each barrel is hand-selected and blended into a single batch for your enjoyment. Remarkably smooth and flavorful, Penelope is perfect whether sipping neat or using in your favorite cocktail.

Cask Strength Bourbon

• Batch 5. 116 proof
• $59.99
• Recently named on Wine Enthusiast’s The Top 100 Spirits of 2020
• Batch 5 is blended from three bourbon mash bills aged 3 – 4 years in new American oak barrels and completely uncut and non chill-filtered.

Rosé Cask Finish Bourbon

• 94 proof
• October 6th release due to the finish taking a full 90 days.
• floral nose that was accented with candied fruit and cream notes.
• The palate featured soft vanilla and caramel notes with a notable well balanced finish with lingering botanical notes and a touch of heat.
• MSRP of $65. 2,400 bottles will be available in GA, NJ, NY, TN, WI, and online at Seelbach's, Mash&Grape, and Flaviar.
• Batch 2 anticipated late spring 2021

Show Links:

• Penelope Bourbon Website
• Buy Penelope Bourbon Online
• The Top 100 Spirits of 2020
• The Best Bourbon and Rye for Fall
• 10 Best Whiskies For Fall 2020
• An Unlikely Marriage: Penelope Bourbon's Thorny Road to a Rosé Finished Bourbon