At Film & Whiskey, we’re diving into Penelope Valencia, the annual release from Penelope Bourbon. This four-grain straight bourbon whiskey, finished in Vino de Naranja casks from Seville, Spain, is bottled at 95 proof and offers a unique profile perfect for the winter season—or even a refreshing summer cocktail. With only 5,000 cases produced, this limited allocation whiskey has a lot to live up to. Let’s explore how it fares.
This review is taken from our episode "Cruisemas, Vol. 3 - Mission: Impossible - Fallout / Penelope Valencia Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.
Nose
Brad: The nose on this is an orange bomb. There’s orange peel, but I also picked up a really intense peaches-and-cream note that I loved. There’s a bit of rose petal and some cedar woodiness. It’s pleasant, though not quite everything I want it to be. 7.5/10.
Bob: I let this sit in my glass for a while, and it went through so many changes. At first, it was decadent, then it shifted to a more standard bourbon profile with oak. Later, it turned syrupy, with notes of caramel and butterscotch. To me, it screams “old fashioned” notes like baking spice and rye. 8.5/10.
Summary: The nose offers bright orange peel and sweet, creamy notes complemented by floral and woody undertones.
Taste
Brad: The palate is incredible—floral with loads of vanilla bean and fresh orange zest. It’s like you’re actively zesting an orange in the room. There’s even a touch of a Sour Patch Kid vibe that adds a fun twist. 8/10.
Bob: This tastes like an old fashioned in a glass. The back palate has a bit of anise, likely from the interplay of oak and wine casks, which I enjoy. It’s an 8.5/10 for me here.
Summary: The taste is vibrant and citrus-forward, with floral and vanilla undertones balanced by a zesty orange kick.
Finish
Brad: I loved the finish. It brought in a pecan note, peppery spice, cedar, and orange, without hitting the pithy bitterness I expected. 8/10.
Bob: For me, the finish dropped off a bit. The rye and orange peel were nice, but the bitterness turned slightly into potpourri. 7/10.
Summary: A warm, nutty finish with lingering citrus and spice, though some might find it slightly bitter.
Balance
Brad: The flavors here are really well-managed. The nose transitions beautifully into the palate, and while the cinnamon surprised me, it worked perfectly. 8/10.
Bob: I thought the whiskey was well-balanced overall, but the drop-off on the finish and slight bitterness brought me down to 7.5/10.
Summary: A cohesive whiskey where the nose, palate, and finish work together harmoniously.
Value
Brad: At $75–$80, this is solid value for a unique and interesting whiskey. It’s not the best we’ve had in this price range, but it’s definitely worth trying. 7/10.
Bob: I’m at 6.5/10. It’s above average and offers something special, but I wish it were slightly cheaper.
Summary: A good value for a limited-release bourbon with distinctive flavor, though a slightly lower price would make it even better.
Final Scores
Brad: 38.5/50
Bob: 38/50
Average: 38.25/50 (76.5/100)
Concluding Thoughts
Penelope Valencia is an annual release that stands out for its citrus-forward profile and unique finishing process. This is a whiskey that screams winter warmth, though it would shine in a summer cocktail as well. If you enjoy vibrant, orange-heavy bourbons, this is an easy recommendation. With a score of 38/50, it’s a definite try—or buy if you can find it.
Cut to the Chase:
- Nose: Bright citrus notes like orange peel and peaches-and-cream lead the way, with floral and woody hints.
- Taste: Floral vanilla and zesty orange flavors dominate, creating a bold, unique experience.
- Finish: Warm with nutty, peppery, and citrus notes, though some might detect slight bitterness.
- Balance: A well-executed interplay of nose, palate, and finish.
- Value: A solid buy at $75, offering a unique twist in the bourbon market.
FAQ
1. How much does Penelope Valencia cost?
Penelope Valencia is priced between $75 and $80, depending on the retailer.
2. What is Penelope Valencia’s flavor profile?
It features vibrant orange and floral vanilla notes, with hints of pecan, cedar, and spice on the finish.
3. Is Penelope Valencia worth the price?
Yes, especially for fans of citrus-forward bourbons or those looking for a unique whiskey experience.
4. How is Penelope Valencia finished?
It is a four-grain bourbon aged in Vino de Naranja casks from Seville, Spain, for 12 months.
5. What is the proof of Penelope Valencia?
This year’s release is bottled at 95 proof.
