Penelope Bourbon is launching the latest installment of its annual release, Penelope Valencia, which continues its tradition of finishing straight whiskeys in wine casks from notable winemaking regions. This year, Penelope Valencia combines Penelope Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey with Vino de Naranja casks sourced from Sevilla, Spain. The whiskey is bottled at 95 proof, with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 47.5%, and is priced at a suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750mL bottle. A limited allocation of 5,000 cases will be available starting in August.
The foundation of this year’s Penelope Valencia release is the brand’s Four Grain Bourbon, which is paired with Vino de Naranja casks. Vino de Naranja is an orange wine from the Sevilla region of Spain, known for its rich aroma, derived from white wine aged with the peels of bitter Seville oranges in oak barrels. While Seville oranges are not typically consumed raw due to their sharp flavor, their distinctive taste is highly valued for products like marmalade and juices, and it significantly influences the character of the wine.
Penelope Valencia features a mash bill consisting of 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, and 3% malted barley. The whiskey is finished for up to 12 months in the Vino de Naranja casks, imparting a unique flavor profile. The resulting aroma includes bold spice and iced coffee cake with orange glaze, while the palate offers citrus zest, mandarin, vanilla, and candied ginger. The finish is long and savory, with hints of orange peel and black pepper.
Michael Paladini, founder of Penelope Bourbon, highlighted the brand’s ongoing commitment to refining its products each year, with this year’s Valencia serving as an example of that dedication. Daniel Polise, founder and master blender, expressed enthusiasm for working with these particular wine barrels, noting the rich orange and citrus notes that distinguish this release from previous iterations.
Penelope Valencia has received recognition in the whiskey industry, including being rated as a Top-10 Whiskey Under $100 by Whiskey Raiders and earning a Silver medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It is part of Penelope Bourbon’s Cooper Series, which also includes other cask finish releases such as Rio, Rosé, and Tokaji.