Review: Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 American Whiskey

In June 2025, Penelope introduced the inaugural release in its new annual Cigar Sessions series. Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 American Whiskey continues the brand’s blending tradition by combining three distinct styles of whiskey into a singular, unique expression. This blend features straight bourbon, rye, and single malt whiskey—all distilled by MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana—with each component aged for a minimum of six years before blending.

The overall mashbill comprises 72% corn, 15% rye, and 13% malted barley. While the specific mashbills of the bourbon and rye components remain undisclosed, Penelope’s website reveals that the bourbon portion was finished with medium-tannin French oak staves prior to blending. This finishing detail is particularly noteworthy, as American whiskey typically associates cigar finishes or cigar blends with multiple finishing casks applied to a single expression. However, Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 diverges from this norm, instead honoring the original spirit of cigar blends as they originated in the world of Cognac—where the focus lies not on finishing techniques, but on blending a spirit that naturally complements a fine cigar.

To perfect this harmony, Penelope and Luxco collaborated with renowned cigar blenders Cynn Coburn of Dissident Cigars and Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars to create a blend designed specifically to pair with a medium-bodied cigar. Future chapters in the series promise to explore a wider range of cigar pairings.

While Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 is intended to enhance the cigar experience, I’m not a smoker and can’t personally attest to how it pairs with tobacco. So, how does this whiskey perform on its own, without a cigar? With a production run of 7,500 cases, is this an expression that will appeal to all whiskey lovers—even those who don’t smoke cigars? Let’s find out.

Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 American Whiskey Review

The nose begins with aromas of Whoppers malted milk balls and buttercream frosting. Nutmeg spice and a slightly astringent note of red apple skin complete the scent profile. The single malt whiskey component stands out on the palate, where the Whoppers character remains present and combines with honey. As the tasting continues, dry and earthy flavors of almond butter and tobacco develop alongside a dry mouthfeel. On the finish, notes of Honey Nut Cheerios, nutmeg, caramel, and burnt orange peel persist.

Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 American Whiskey is an enjoyable dram even without a cigar, though I’m not certain I would choose it over other premium offerings from Penelope within a similar price range. With more knowledge of cigars, I suspect I would appreciate this first release in the Cigar Sessions series a bit more. Given the cigar expertise of the team behind the blend, there is little doubt that Chapter 1 succeeds in its goal of complementing a medium-bodied cigar and will attract enthusiasts within the cigar community.

For those outside of cigar culture, the whiskey presents an interesting combination: an undisclosed bourbon mashbill blended with 100% malted barley single malt and a light whiskey component made from 99% corn and 1% malted barley. Though it represents a small portion of the blend, the single malt distinctly shapes the flavor profile. For those seeking something a bit different, this expression is certainly worth exploring.

101 proof.

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

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