Review: Penelope Classic Series Rye and Kentucky Bourbon

For years, Penelope built much of its reputation around carefully selected sourced whiskey, particularly bourbon and rye distilled by MGP in Indiana. June 2026 marked a meaningful shift with the arrival of two permanent additions to the Penelope portfolio: Classic Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Classic Series Straight Rye Whiskey. Released together as part of the new Classic Series, both represent a departure from what longtime followers have come to expect.

The Kentucky Straight Bourbon is especially significant. It is the first time Penelope has released Kentucky-distilled bourbon on this scale, moving away from the MGP bourbon that helped define much of the brand’s identity. Distilled in Bardstown, its mashbill consists of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley. The Straight Rye also takes a different path. While it remains an MGP whiskey, it swaps the brand’s long-associated 95% rye, 5% malted barley recipe for a 93% rye, 7% malted barley mashbill. Another difference comes from what is missing. Neither whiskey is a blend. The rye has traditionally followed that approach, but the bourbon breaks from Penelope’s long-running practice of blending multiple mashbills.

Both expressions are bottled at 92 proof, a level that points toward everyday drinking rather than reserving them for special occasions. On paper, the objective appears straightforward: offer dependable pours that can earn a regular place on the shelf without asking much of the drinker.

Taken together, these releases mark a new direction for Penelope across both bourbon and rye. Is that shift enough to make the Classic Series worth adding to the daily rotation?

Penelope Classic Series Straight Rye Review

This straight rye whiskey comes without an age statement, meaning it’s at least four years old. Several online retailers list it at 7 to 9 years old, though Penelope has never confirmed that information, leaving those claims purely speculative.

The nose opens with the aroma of a freshly unwrapped stick of spearmint gum alongside limoncello. That citrus quickly gives way to dill pickle brine, while the mineral quality of a freshly sharpened graphite pencil sits quietly beneath everything else. Although the mashbill differs slightly from the standard MGP recipe of 95% rye and 5% malted barley, much of that signature profile remains intact. Judging by aroma alone, this could easily pass for a high-rye MGP rye whiskey in a blind tasting.

The first sip starts on a disappointing note, offering something similar to flat ginger ale. It arrives thin, with the ginger spice never quite finding its footing. Fortunately, things improve rather quickly. That opening note gives way to Post Honeycomb cereal, and the viscosity changes dramatically along the way. What starts out almost watery becomes surprisingly syrupy through the middle of the sip. Cool peppermint candy joins tart lemonade powder before the finish begins.

The closing moments briefly stumble with a cinnamon toothpick note before recovering once again. Lemongrass, a livelier ginger note, and pine nuts provide a much stronger conclusion than the whiskey initially suggests.

This rye delivers plenty to enjoy, although it also spends time working through a few rough patches. Thankfully, those weaker moments don’t last very long, and each one is followed by a meaningful rebound. The shift from an almost watery arrival to a much thicker mouthfeel is especially interesting, and it’s hard not to wonder what this mashbill might do at a proof north of 100.

At 92 proof, I’d happily accept a pour if a friend offered one, but I don’t see myself reaching for it over other rye whiskeys in my cabinet when drinking neat. On the other hand, it strikes me as an easy recommendation for someone interested in exploring rye without diving into barrel-proof territory. Behind the bar, it also looks like an excellent candidate for a buck finished with fresh mint and a drizzle of honey. 92 proof. B / $35

Penelope Classic Series Kentucky Straight Bourbon Review

Like the rye, this bourbon is released without an age statement, placing it at a minimum of four years old. Unlike its companion release, however, there aren’t any online retailer age claims floating around to muddy the waters.

The aroma is driven almost entirely by butterscotch, backed by a light maple syrup note, baked meringue, and orange gummy bears. Roasted sunflower seeds arrive later with a lightly salty, earthy accent, but sweet butterscotch remains the focal point from beginning to end. It’s an enjoyable nose, even if it doesn’t stray very far from that central theme.

The palate tells a different story. A mild brown sugar note appears first, then quickly fades, leaving the whiskey flat and remarkably watery. There’s an expectation that something more substantial is about to arrive, but that moment never materializes. Baked sweet potato eventually joins the mix, followed by lightly honey-roasted peanuts and a touch of apple pie spice. None of it gains much momentum, and everything remains muted as the whiskey moves toward the finish.

The finish continues in the same vein with faint burnt caramel, an extremely diluted note resembling Dr Pepper, and just enough sandalwood spice to remind you it’s still there before disappearing.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what role this bourbon is meant to fill. There’s nothing abrasive or unpleasant about it. Instead, it simply passes across the palate without offering much to remember afterward. The profile remains subdued from the opening sip through the finish, making it hard to picture a cocktail where it wouldn’t disappear behind the other ingredients, especially considering how easily it fades on its own.

Penelope has turned out some excellent bourbons over the years, which makes this release all the more puzzling. 92 proof. B- / $45

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