Rating
85
This "first pour" of Penelope 10 Year Private Select Bourbon (2026) surprised me with how much it changed over the course of a pour. What started with brown sugar, oak, and rye spice gradually worked its way into salted caramel, buttery toffee, and even a little cherry. At 102.2 proof, it has plenty of flavor, and the spice keeps the sweetness in check. Here’s a quick first pour review of a bourbon that gave me more to think about with each sip.
Nose
Distinct dark yet mellow dried oak opens the nose, layered with brown sugar and rye spice. There’s also a wonderful floral quality that I suspect comes from the rye component. While it’s neither bold nor overpowering, the nose is beautiful, with a buttered pastry character that eventually settles into butter and oak beneath a layer of honey.
Palate
The palate initially reflects the nose with brown sugar and rye spice. A peppery edge complements the spice, while sweetness and charred oak add depth. As the tasting progresses, salted caramel emerges, moving toward buttery toffee. This is much more complex than I expected and seems to keep evolving, with cherry notes appearing along the way. After a few sips, the 102.2 proof becomes easy to drink. I love how the spice keeps everything balanced, preventing the sweetness from taking over, no matter how long you sip. This is good bourbon!
Finish
Charred oak and black pepper lead the moderately long finish, while a lingering sweetness and traces of buttered pastry carry through.
Final Thoughts
Beautiful on the nose and surprisingly complex on the palate, this bourbon delivers an evolving mix of sweetness, spice, and oak. The balance keeps me coming back for another sip.