Penelope Rio 750ML

Penelope Rio 750ML is a four-grain straight bourbon whiskey double-finished in honey barrels and Brazilian Amburana oak, bottled at 98 proof (49% ABV). Rated 93 points by Whisky Advocate, this expression also earned a Double Gold at the SIP Awards and Double Platinum at the ASCOT Awards — recognition that underscores how well its unconventional cask program translates to the glass.

Quick Facts: ABV: 49% (98 Proof)  |  Origin: Indiana, USA  |  NAS, Double Cask Finished  |  Distillery: MGP (Ross & Squibb Distillery)

Production & Heritage

Penelope Bourbon sources its distillate from MGP's Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the most prolific and respected contract distilleries in American whiskey. The Rio expression uses a four-grain mashbill of 74% corn, 14% wheat, 9% rye, and 3% malted barley — a grain recipe that leans toward a softer, rounder character compared to high-rye bourbons. What distinguishes Rio from the rest of the Penelope lineup is its sequential double-cask finishing: the straight bourbon first rests in American honey barrels, then transfers into new Amburana oak barrels sourced from Brazil. Amburana is a rare hardwood species native to South America historically used in cachaça production, and it contributes distinctive cinnamon and floral notes not found in traditional American or European oak. The whiskey is non chill-filtered, preserving the full body and texture of those finishing influences.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Clover honey arrives first — rich and unmistakable — followed by vanilla, toffee, and graham cracker. Deeper sniffs reveal floral honeycomb, a grassy freshness, and traces of coffee cake and ripe banana.

Taste: The palate opens with honey nectar and cinnamon sugar, quickly building into a spice-forward mid-palate reminiscent of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and rum raisin ice cream. Vanilla and baking spices weave through the center, while caramel and toasted oak give the whiskey structure. Whisky Advocate described it as "cinnamon-dominated and spicy" with a "playful, simple, and delicious" quality.

Finish: Medium in length but packed with flavor. Cinnamon and toasted oak linger alongside baking spices that gradually fade into a honeyed pastry sweetness. The non chill-filtered bottling leaves a slightly creamy texture on the close.

How to Drink Penelope Rio

At 98 proof and non chill-filtered, Rio rewards neat sipping — a few drops of water open up the honey and floral notes without diluting the cinnamon backbone. On the rocks, the sweetness becomes more approachable. Its cinnamon-forward, honey-rich profile also makes it a compelling cocktail base: try it in an Old Fashioned, where the Amburana spice replaces the need for aromatic bitters; in a Gold Rush, where the existing honey character amplifies the honey-lemon combination naturally; or in a Whiskey Sour, where the creamy texture and baking-spice notes hold up beautifully against citrus.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts exploring non-traditional cask finishes
• Gifting someone who already owns every standard bourbon on the shelf
• After-dinner sipping alongside dessert courses
• Side-by-side tastings comparing Amburana-finished American whiskeys

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Penelope Rio taste like? Penelope Rio delivers a cinnamon-dominant, honey-rich bourbon experience with layers of vanilla, baking spice, and toasted oak. The Amburana finish adds a distinctive warmth closer to cinnamon pastry than typical bourbon oak influence.

How does Penelope Rio compare to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked? Both are double-cask bourbons, but their finishing strategies diverge sharply: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked uses a second charred American oak barrel that deepens vanilla and chocolate notes, while Rio's honey-barrel-to-Amburana sequence pushes it toward cinnamon, floral honey, and tropical spice territory. Rio also runs hotter at 98 proof versus Woodford Double Oaked's 90.4 proof, giving it more intensity on the palate.

Is Penelope Rio good for sipping neat? Yes — the 98-proof, non chill-filtered bottling was designed to be enjoyed neat, where the full spectrum of honey, cinnamon, and Amburana-driven spice can be appreciated without dilution.

Where is Penelope Rio made? The bourbon is distilled at MGP's Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, using a four-grain mashbill of corn, wheat, rye, and malted barley. The finishing and blending are managed by the Penelope Bourbon team.

What foods pair well with Penelope Rio? The cinnamon and honey profile pairs naturally with cinnamon-dusted churros, bread pudding with caramel sauce, smoked pork belly with a honey glaze, aged Gouda cheese, and pecan pie — each pairing echoing Rio's baking-spice and sweet-oak character.

What sizes does Penelope Rio come in? Penelope Rio is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Penelope Rio worth the price? Penelope Rio positions as a premium craft bourbon, priced above entry-level offerings but justified by its unusual double-cask finishing, 93-point Whisky Advocate rating, and non chill-filtered presentation — a strong value proposition within the growing category of finished American whiskeys.

Why Penelope Rio?

The sequential double finish — honey barrels followed by rare Brazilian Amburana oak — is a production choice virtually no other American bourbon employs, giving Rio a flavor profile that genuinely stands apart from the crowded finished-bourbon market. A 93-point score from Whisky Advocate, coupled with Double Gold (SIP Awards) and Double Platinum (ASCOT Awards), confirms that the concept translates into the glass, not just the marketing. At 98 proof and non chill-filtered, it delivers density and texture that reward attentive sipping. For drinkers who have grown familiar with standard double-oaked or port-finished bourbons, Rio represents a genuinely different direction rooted in South American cooperage traditions.