As Brazil’s Carnival fills the streets with vibrant colors, infectious rhythms, and boundless energy, Penelope Bourbon has found its own way to bottle that same festive spirit. Over the years, Penelope has captured the essence of celebration, finishing its 4-grain bourbon in unique casks from all corners of the globe. But none have quite embodied the soul of Carnival like Penelope’s Cooper Series Rio, which we first reviewed in its 2024 release.

March 2025 saw the release of Batch 25-901, a bourbon that continues to blend tradition with flair. Rio begins with a blend of three carefully crafted bourbons distilled in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, creating a derived mashbill of 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, and 3% malted barley. To bring the essence of Carnival into each sip, the bourbon undergoes a double finishing process: first in honey barrels, then in Brazilian Amburana casks. The result? Two years of finishing that dance together, just like the samba and samba-reggae beats that fill the air during Carnival.

With only 8,500 cases produced, this non-chill filtered, two-time finished gem promises a taste as rich and lively as Brazil’s most iconic festival. How does this 2025 batch stack up to its predecessor? Let’s dive in and find out!

Penelope Bourbon Rio 2025 Tasting Notes

The aroma party kicks off with the sweet richness of honey, as vibrant as Carnival’s opening parade. A warm note of Cinnamon Toast Crunch adds playful spice, while a hint of cream of tartar brings tart freshness. Delicate honeysuckle flowers provide a soft, floral lift, like a breeze through Rio’s streets. The spicy presence of Amburana leads the charge, full of energy, but the honey mellows its intensity, much like samba softens the chaos of Carnival. As Drinkhacker noted in 2024, the 2025 release continues to showcase a lively blend of spice, honey, and floral aromas, perfectly capturing the spirit of Brazil’s celebration.

Rio bursts onto the palate like the rhythm of Carnival, with pumpkin pie spice—cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—leading the procession. Rich molasses adds depth, while sticky honey coats the mouth with an almost syrupy sweetness, lingering like confetti. A surprising touch of orange soda brings a light, fizzy lift, balancing the sweetness. This is a bold, dessert-like whiskey—definitely not dry—indulgent and celebratory, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

The finish is a festival of flavors with cinnamon graham cracker leading the way, though a refreshing splash of lemon juice offers some tartness. Black pepper adds a subtle, spicy layer, creating a dynamic contrast. The grand finale is a wave of honey, rich and lingering, leaving behind a silky, sweet aftertaste that sticks around for what feels like forever.

From start to finish, Rio is undeniably a dessert dram—rich, sweet, and full of decadent layers. The high level of sweetness makes it more of a special occasion pour rather than a daily sip. It’s the kind of whiskey you’d reach for when you want something memorable, fun, and easy to share with friends. The $80 MSRP for the 2025 release feels fair, a solid price for this unique experience, but it wouldn’t justify hunting down at the price of past editions and their inflated secondary market prices. While it may not be an everyday choice, Rio is perfect for those moments when you’re craving your own personal whiskey party.

98 proof. Reviewed: Batch #25-901.

B+ / $80 / penelopebourbon.com [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT] [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]

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