Annually, I have decided to create a Bourbon Release Calendar for those interested in when the newest and annual bottles of bourbon and whiskey are released. While creating this calendar, I also create a personal “bourbon hunting list” that I keep on my phone based on bottles I believe fit my palate. Unfortunately, I typically only find a fourth to half of those bottles on my list, either because of availability or NoCo costs. Luckily, this review was one of those bottles on my list and comes from the Penelope Bourbon Distillery. The third release in their Cooper Series, today’s review is of the newer release, Penelope Valencia four-grain straight bourbon whiskey.

From the Penelope Bourbon website: Penelope Bourbon Cooper Series explores the marriage of different cask finishes with our signature four grain straight bourbon whiskey. Rich and bold on the palate, Valencia brings forward rich citrus flavors from the coasts of Spain. Valencia is finished in Vino de Naranja casks and bottled at 97 proof.

This was a bottle of bourbon on my hunting list, as I have started to become of fan of Penelope Bourbon. After waiting months after its initial release, this release seemed to not be available in NoCo and I had placed this bottle on the did not find (DNF) list in late 2022. Nonetheless, during Christmas break, I finally came across this elusive bottle in one of my local stores and I wish I would have bought two. Overall, this was an excellent bourbon that has become a contender for my weekly sipper; yet I do not want to finish it yet. Drinking this blindly, you would think this is a rye whiskey because of the amazing baking spice finish. If you have not tried this, like finished bourbon whiskey, and have the chance, this is a must-try from Penelope. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Obviously Orange Zest with Additional Notes of Milk Chocolate, Pound Cake, Vanilla Frosting, and Baking Spice
• Palate: Terry’s Orange Milk Chocolate Ball (Those Christmas Oranges!) with Dry Oak, Nuts (Almonds or Walnuts), and Baking Spice
• Finish: Medium to Long Colorado Winter’s Hug with Notes of Dry Oaky Orange and Baking Spice
• 2023 MSRP: $79
• 2023 National Average: $99
• Proof: 97 Proof
• My Rating: Drink It! (This is absolutely crushable and has become a contender for my weekly sipper!)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman