Penelope Madagascar Bourbon Finished in Cognac Casks takes an unexpectedly bright, fruit-forward turn at 99 proof. In this first-pour review, I explore its light, sweet character, the influence of the Cognac casks, and whether this unique Cooper Series pour is one that should earn a place on your whiskey shelf.
Nose
Light and airy, with sweet candied lemon, grapes, and green apple drifting from the glass. A delicate layer of sweet baking spice gives the aroma an almost spiced wheated bourbon character, although that is simply the impression it creates. Penelope Madagascar is springtime in a glass: bright, fragrant, and reminiscent of candied fruit cocktail swimming in heavy syrup. I didn’t know what to expect from Madagascar, but this certainly wasn’t it. Before even taking a sip, the youthful, fruit-forward aromas bring a VS Cognac to mind, though I can’t confirm the classification of the Cognac previously held in these casks.
Palate
Confectioners’ sugar and French oak greet the palate, followed by a gentle flicker of baking spice and black pepper. The light, airy character of the nose carries through to the sip. The mouthfeel is a little thin, but the flavors are enjoyable. Interestingly, the mouth feel gets a little heavier as you go deeper into the tasting experience. Think syrupy fruit cocktail with a splash of Cognac and a peppery baking spice twist. I believe MSRP is around $79, and at that price, its appeal rests largely on if you enjoy a sweeter, fruit-driven profile.
Finish
A touch of astringency emerges as the sweetness fades, leaving faint oak and a delicate trace of spice. The finish is short and gentle, with little lingering intensity.
Final Thoughts
Penelope Madagascar is an easy-drinking, tasty cask-finished bourbon with enough personality to make it a worthy purchase at MSRP. Those seeking a traditional bourbon profile need not look here. But if something unique, light, sweet, and fruit-forward sounds appealing, this is certainly the bottle to seek out.