Whiskey Review: Penelope Wheated Bourbon

Introduction

We’re back with another offering from Penelope, a brand we've always appreciated for their well-crafted sourced whiskeys. Today, we’re reviewing Penelope Wheated Bourbon, a four-grain bourbon that leans into wheat as its secondary grain. Like their other expressions, this is sourced from MGP—an Indiana distillery that consistently produces excellent whiskey. This bottle clocks in at 95 proof, with a mash bill of 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye, and 3% malted barley. It’s non-age stated, but we know it’s at least four years old. Let’s dive in.

This review is taken from our episode "Ratatouille / Penelope Wheated Bourbon." Click the link to listen to this review in audio format.

Nose

Bob:
It smells like a sort of less viscous, kind of thinner, bright wheated bourbon to me. Notes of orange zest, peach, and red apple peel. It’s got all those nice fruity notes we love. I don’t quite get the cherry cola that you get with more well-aged wheated bourbons, but this is a classic pop of summertime fruit scents. I'm in love with this thing. 8.5/10

Brad:
This is cherry—more like maraschino cherry juice. There’s orange zest, caramel, and a little bit of a vanilla bean vibe going on. It really does smell like a nice, refreshing wheated bourbon. 7/10

Taste

Brad:
The palate here is incredibly refreshing. It feels like an orange creamsicle pop. There’s honey, caramel, a bit of brown sugar that gives it some depth. I think this is a really solid expression of wheated bourbon. 7.5/10

Bob:
I’m a little lower here. There’s a dark charred barley note mixed with a really bright, almost tart fruit note that reminds me of fresh squeezed orange juice. It’s bright and fresh, but I’m not entirely sure I’m in love with the flavor. 7/10

Finish

Brad:
This is where it all comes together. Brown sugar, cinnamon, the orange zest sticks around, and it gets a little bit oaky. The finish adds some nice complexity. 8/10

Bob:
Reminds me of an old fashioned. The cinnamon and nutmeg really come through, giving it more of an autumnal vibe, while the orange note dances over the top. I’d say this actually tastes more like orange than the Penelope Valencia did. 8/10

Balance

Bob:
A bit of a roller coaster ride. Even at 95 proof, it’s a little thin on the mouthfeel. I think it would stand up in some cocktails, but I wouldn’t recommend it broadly for that use. 7/10

Brad:
Just below you. This is a really nice, enjoyable wheated bourbon, but it doesn’t stand out in a crowded category. 7/10

Value

Brad:
This is a $40 bottle of whiskey, which feels about right. If it were five to six dollars cheaper, it might creep higher, but it’s well-valued. 7.5/10

Bob:
Source bourbon, non-age stated. Nothing outrageous about the price, and they didn’t try to overcharge. That earns them credit. 7.5/10

Final Scores

Brad’s Total: 37/50
Bob’s Total: 38/50
Average Score: 37.5/50 or 75/100

Conclusion

At $40, Penelope Wheated Bourbon is a well-executed, approachable, and enjoyable whiskey that knows exactly what it is. It won’t knock your socks off, but it’s perfect for a summer evening on the back porch, shared with friends. At 75/100, this is above our 35/50 “buy or try” threshold, making it an easy recommendation for anyone looking to explore wheated bourbons without breaking the bank.