Brand
Penelope Bourbon
American bourbon brand founded in 2018, known for expressions such as Four Grain and Barrel Strength. Penelope produces and markets various lines of straight bourbon and releases finished in different casks, working with established production partners for sourcing and bottling.
- Rumson · New Jersey · USA
- Since 2018
- 2 products
The story
Penelope Bourbon was founded in 2018 by Michael Paladini and Daniel Polise and is named after the founder's daughter. The brand grew rapidly with a range based on blends of multiple mash bills; on June 1, 2023 Penelope was acquired by MGP Ingredients (through subsidiary Luxco), becoming part of the group's brand portfolio.
Production philosophy
To create accessible, enjoyable bourbons for everyday drinking, with a focus on blending and expressions that can be enjoyed neat or in cocktails; the brand's communication emphasizes the celebration of small daily pleasures.
Territory
United States (commercial activity and branding with operational headquarters in New Jersey); production/distillation is carried out at partner facilities in the USA (e.g., MGP Lawrenceburg, IN).
Awards and recognition
Among the accolades cited by the brand: Double Gold and Best of Class at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2022; ASCOT awards (including Double Platinum and the "Blender of the Year" title in 2022).
Production method
Penelope uses distillates supplied by partners (including MGP, Ross & Squibb Distillery, Lawrenceburg IN) and works on blending multiple mash bills to achieve its expressions. Some releases are non-chill-filtered and are offered both at barrel proof and in standard bottlings; the brand selects and uses different types of casks for finishes and limited releases.
Distillation
Produced with distillates supplied by MGP (Lawrenceburg, IN) and other partners; the range is obtained by blending multiple mash bills provided by distiller partners.
Ageing
Aged in American oak barrels (new American oak) with releases that include finishes in various cask types (Cooper Series and other limited editions finished in wine casks or alternative woods).
Characteristics
- Type
- Brand
- City
- Rumson
- Categories
- bourbon
- American whiskey
- four-grain bourbon
- barrel-strength bourbon
- brand
- Raw materials
- corn
- wheat
- rye
- malted barley
- Casks and ageing vessels
- American oak barrels (new American oak)
- wine casks for finishing (e.g., rosé, Tokaji, Valencia / Cooper Series)
- Brazilian oak (mentioned in specific finishes)
- Representative products
- Penelope Barrel Strength (70 cl)
- Penelope Four Grain / Penelope Bourbon (70 cl)
What makes it distinctive
- Founded in 2018 by Michael Paladini and Daniel Polise.
- Distilled at authorized partner facilities: MGP (Ross & Squibb Distillery, Lawrenceburg, Indiana) is listed as a production partner.
- Core series: Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect, Toasted; special lines: Cooper Series, Private Select, Estate Collection.
- Acquisition completed by MGP Ingredients (Luxco) on June 1, 2023.
- Use of selected barrels and collaborations with Speyside Cooperage for sourcing cork/woods for finishes.