Penelope’s American Light Whiskey barrels have been a favorite of mine for quite some time. They keep getting older, proofs keep climbing, and so far- they keep getting better. Today we’re taking a look at a Hazmat 17 year old barrel from the fella’s over at Breaking Bourbon. This is 141 proof, again, 17 years old, and carries a mash-bill of 99% Corn and 1% Malted Barley. I believe the bottle yield from this barrel was only ~70 bottles. 

Nose : Way easier to nose than it should be. Very little ethanol presence after a few minutes of resting in the glen. Notes of Kettle Corn, Brown Sugar, Vanilla frosting. Very sweet on the nose, as have all Penelope American Light Whiskeys have been for me. Dessert-like and very enjoyable, overall.

Palate : Velvety mouthfeel, significant viscosity. There’s a lot going on here, but overall, a very sweet profile. Vanilla frosting with a das of cinnamon, Mild oak presence, some brown sugar, and a bit of creme brulee throughout. The warmth of the sip really takes over, and you do experience a quite hefty “Kenucky Hug” in the chest- welcomed, though. Finish is large and in charge… This is excellent. 

MSRP : ~$140 if I remember right, was released a little while back through Seelbach’s. 

Score : 8.2

The t8ke Scoring Scale :

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out

2 | Poor | I wouldn't consume by choice

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but many things l'd rather have

5 | Good | Good, just fine

6 | Very Good | A cut above

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect