Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Private Select – Boldly Aged Bourbon Perfection

Updated → October 2025

Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Private Select is an extra-aged, high-proof bourbon release. Bottled at about 109 proof after over 9 years of aging, it delivers rich caramel, vanilla, and spice flavors. Part of Penelope’s Private Select series, this uncut bourbon appeals to enthusiasts seeking full-bodied character and exclusivity.

• Bourbon Market Overview
• Barrel Strength Bourbon Appeal
• Private Selections Explained
• Penelope Bourbon Brand Background
• Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Private Select
• Production and Aging
• Tasting Profile
• Packaging & Presentation
• Bourbon Comparisons
• Similar Barrel Strength Bourbons
• Other Private-Select Bourbons
• Enjoying & Serving
• Serving Suggestions
• Cocktail Pairings
• Where to Buy & Pricing

Bourbon Market Overview

Bourbon has seen growing popularity both in the United States and around the world. Enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike are increasingly seeking premium American whiskies. Today’s bourbon market is marked by premiumization and innovation: distillers produce higher-quality and novel expressions to meet demand. Craft distilleries and established brands release more small-batch and limited-edition whiskeys, while cocktail culture has fueled interest in classic bourbons. According to industry analysis, the global bourbon market continues to grow steadily year over year, driven by interest in high-proof and specialty bottlings. In this climate of expanding taste and choice, Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Private Select is positioned as a craft-oriented, barrel-proof whiskey for aficionados seeking the next level of flavor.

Barrel Strength Bourbon Appeal

“Barrel strength” (or “cask strength”) bourbon is bottled without dilution, at the full alcoholic strength at which it aged. This means the whiskey is both powerful and full-flavored. High proof bourbons (often 100+ proof) are prized for delivering intense aromas and richness. Without adding water, barrel strength bottlings maintain all of the natural oils and complex compounds from the barrel, offering a robust sensory experience. Drinkers often report more pronounced notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and spice. Because they are bottled higher, these whiskeys can be customized by each drinker: adding a few drops of water or a single large ice cube can reveal hidden subtleties. In short, barrel strength bourbons like this Penelope Private Select are admired by enthusiasts for their purity, potency, and the ability to capture the character of the barrel without compromise.

Private Selections Explained

“Private select” refers to a special release or store pick chosen for a particular retailer or group. In practice, it means a set of barrels was hand-selected (sometimes by store managers or independent bottle shops) and bottled as a unique blend, often exclusively for that store. Private selections are typically limited in quantity and have distinctive labels noting the selecting store or batch. Whiskey collectors love these bottlings for their exclusivity and unique character. Many distilleries (like Four Roses, Buffalo Trace, and others) offer private barrel programs, and Penelope Bourbon’s Private Select is this brand’s version of that concept. Essentially, Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Private Select is a curated barrel-strength whiskey that isn’t found in every shop – it’s crafted to highlight Penelope’s finest aged barrels in a one-of-a-kind expression.

Penelope Bourbon Brand Background

Penelope Bourbon is an American craft whiskey brand founded by childhood friends Danny Polise and Michael Paladini. Inspired by their daughters Penelope and Riley, they set out to create an innovative bourbon that combined tradition with creativity. Penelope Bourbon is distilled at MGP’s historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana distillery (the same facility behind many well-known whiskey brands) and then bottled under the Penelope label. Unlike some craft brands with their own distilleries, Penelope’s founders emphasize blending expertise and creative aging to stand out. They introduced a variety of mash bills and aging styles – including their Four-Grain core bourbon (corn, rye, wheat, barley) – and later a line of limited editions (Cooper Series, estate cask finishes, etc.). In recent years Penelope Bourbon gained attention for quality and innovation: it was even featured in top whiskey tasting kits and saw a major expansion deal with MGP in 2024. Today the brand is known for approachable yet distinctive whiskeys that celebrate traditional bourbon profiles with a modern twist.

Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Private Select

This special bottling is an extra-matured, barrel-proof edition in the Penelope portfolio. It is marketed as a Private Select, meaning a unique blend chosen from Penelope’s aged whiskey stock. Bottled at around 109 proof (54.5% ABV) after more than 9 years in charred new oak barrels, it represents one of Penelope’s oldest expressions. The result is a whiskey with deep amber color and rich character. This release is typically offered in limited quantities at independent retailers. As of 2024–2025 it usually sells for the mid-$60s per 750mL bottle, positioning it as a high-value craft bourbon for the price. Its flavor profile and strength make it ideal for sipping, and it carries all of the brand’s signature caramel and spice notes magnified by the high proof. Kindred Spirits & Wine lists it as available in Texas, and customers often travel or order for this unique Penelope release.

Production and Aging

Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Private Select is distilled in Indiana and Kentucky, then aged in new charred American oak barrels. The barrels use a #4 char (the most common bourbon char), imparting vanillin, caramelized sugars, and wood tannins. This Private Select blend is drawn from stock aged over 9 years. In typical Penelope style, it may blend multiple mash bills (Penelope’s main mash bill is roughly 74% corn, 20% rye, 1% wheat, 5% malted barley). Over nearly a decade of aging in the warm aging warehouses, the whiskey develops deep amber color and concentrated flavor. Because this is a barrel strength release, no water is added before bottling – the bourbon comes straight from the barrel (aside from being filtered out of chill-filtration). The high proof (around 109) means more oils and esters remain, adding to richness. In short, this release showcases a carefully selected set of long-aged barrels, bottled undiluted to preserve full intensity.

Tasting Profile

The Penelope Private Select Barrel Strength pours a deep amber brown, and its nose is intense. On the palate, expect rich bourbon aromas like sweet caramel and vanilla extract, along with fruity undertones. Many drinkers note the nose includes brown sugar, maple syrup, or marshmallow sweets, balanced by dried fruit (such as apricot or cherry) and warm baking spices. On the tongue, the flavor is full-bodied: smooth caramel and toffee lead, joined by buttery vanilla, toasted oak, and hints of spiced rye (cinnamon, nutmeg, white pepper). The 109-proof strength gives a noticeable warming sensation, but the long aging softens the burn. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of vanilla cream, honey, and gentle smoke or pepper. Overall, this bourbon delivers a dessert-like sweetness paired with classic oak-spice character – exactly what fans look for in a cask-strength, well-aged whiskey.

Packaging & Presentation

:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}Penelope Bourbon barrel-strength editions come in a tall, slender glass bottle similar to other Penelope releases. The label is elegant and minimalist: a large gold “P” logo stands out on a black label that reads “Barrel Strength” and “Straight Bourbon Whiskey.” This Private Select bottle also names the series and proof. A gilt foil or wax seal caps the neck for a premium look. Although the design is simple, it clearly signals a special edition – collectors will notice the “Private Select” designation. The bottle’s presentation reflects Penelope’s craft ethos: clean, quality-focused, and unmistakably bourbon.

Bourbon Comparisons

This Penelope Private Select stands out among American bourbon releases for its combination of age, proof, and craft origins. Compared to Penelope’s core Four Grain Barrel Strength (which is 114 proof and aged 4–6 years), this Private Select is slightly lower proof but much older, giving it a richer oak maturity and smoother character. Against well-known barrel-proof bourbons from big brands (like Eagle Rare Barrel Proof or Elijah Craig Barrel Proof), the Penelope Private Select is similar in strength but often more complex on the finish due to its extended aging. While mainstream cask-strength bottlings might emphasize raw spice, this release balances spice with pronounced sweetness from long barrel time. In terms of style, one could compare it to other premium craft expressions – for example, it is more approachable than some single barrel cask strengths but more intense than typical midproof brands. Its profile also invites comparison to Four Roses Private Selections (where each retailer chooses a unique barrel), Buffalo Trace Experimental series, and other store picks. The common thread is exclusivity and bold flavor; Penelope’s offering is right on par, especially notable for its multi-year age statement and mix of mash bills.

Similar Barrel Strength Bourbons

If you enjoy this bourbon, you might try similar high-proof releases. For example, Penelope’s own Four Grain Barrel Strength (114 proof, 4–6 year) is a natural sibling – it will taste punchier and hotter, with more rye spice. Other craft and premium distilleries offer barrel-strength bottles: Woodford Reserve Batch Proof, Old Forester 1920 or 117, and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof are widely available examples. Each has its own profile (Old Forester’s tends to be very sweet and rich, Four Roses Single Barrel Private Barrels emphasize fruity rye mashbills), but all share the cask-strength intensity. Compared to those, Penelope’s Private Select is unique for its blend of four grains and longer aging. Many enthusiasts enjoy rotating among such selections to savor how barrel proof manifests differently: the Penelope stands out with its prominent caramel and vanilla from the long age, while still packing a spicy punch.

Other Private-Select Bourbons

“Private select” releases are a trend among whiskey lovers. Famous examples include Four Roses Single Barrel Private Selections and store picks from distilleries like Maker’s Mark or Buffalo Trace. In each case, the selecting store or group chooses a particular barrel or blend and bottles it for their customers. These are often one-time batches with special labels naming the retailer. The Penelope Private Select is in this category: it’s a limited-run blend (potentially of several barrels) made just for an outlet like Kindred Spirits. Other private select bourbons might have different flavor profiles (depending on distillery and barrel choice), but they share the allure of rarity. Collectors of private barrels often note that every private select has its own “story” and taste quirks. The Penelope variant, for example, is likely to emphasize smooth caramel-vanilla notes due to its age and mashbill, whereas another brand’s store pick might be more fruit-forward or rye-spicy. In summary, if you like Penelope Private Select, exploring other private picks (especially other cask-strength store picks) could be rewarding.

Enjoying & Serving

This high-proof bourbon is best enjoyed in ways that highlight its full flavor. The most straightforward approach is neat (room temperature, no ice) in a nosing glass (tulip or Glencairn) to appreciate the aroma. Because it is 109 proof, some drinkers prefer a few drops of water or a single large ice cube to soften the alcohol burn and open up flavors. If you enjoy cocktails, it makes an excellent base for spirit-forward drinks: an Old Fashioned (with aromatic bitters and a twist) showcases its vanilla and caramel, and a Boulevardier or Manhattan will emphasize its spicy rye and oak character. For a modern twist, Penelope also recommends a “Barrel Strength Old Fashioned” or a simple splash of the bourbon in sparkling water with a citrus garnish. Beyond cocktails, it pairs beautifully with dessert and savory foods. Try it with dark chocolate, vanilla caramel pudding, or cinnamon-spiced desserts to echo its sweet notes. It also cuts through rich meats: barbecue ribs, smoked brisket, or sharp cheddar cheese are classic companions. In every case, drink responsibly and savor the complexity that this bourbon offers.

Serving Suggestions

For tasting, pour 1.5 oz into a whiskey glass and let it sit a minute. Swirl gently, then take a small sip to acclimate to the high proof. Notice how the aromas change after a moment of air exposure. If it feels too hot, add a teaspoon of water and taste again. Adding ice will chill and dilute it, so some enthusiasts use one or two large ice cubes if they want a slower reveal of flavor. Use a heavy-bottomed glass to concentrate nose and heat. Some also enjoy letting a bottle “breathe” by pouring a small amount and coming back to it after several minutes. Above all, drink it at your own pace – its intensity is meant to be savored.

Cocktail Pairings

This bourbon shines in classic bourbon cocktails. A simple Old Fashioned (bourbon, sugar cube, Angostura bitters, twist of orange) is an ideal match; the sugar and bitters balance the strength. In a Manhattan, its spiciness complements vermouth and cherry. It can also be used in a Boulevardier (substituting bourbon for rye) for a richer twist. For a hot cocktail, try an elevated Hot Toddy with cinnamon and cloves, which warms the soul in cool weather. A modern option is a bourbon Highball (ginger ale or club soda with a lemon twist) to taste a lighter side. Because this is a premium cask-strength bourbon, many bartenders treat it as a “neat ingredient” – meaning a little goes a long way. Overall, any cocktail that calls for bourbon can be bolstered by this bottling, but it is so flavorful that sipping it straight is often the simplest pleasure.

Where to Buy & Pricing

Penelope Bourbon Barrel Strength Private Select is a limited edition, so availability can be scarce. It is typically sold at specialty liquor shops. Kindred Spirits & Wine in Dallas (Inwood Road location) has listed it, and other craft bourbon retailers may stock it when in season. Online, some stores offer shipping to select states (check local liquor laws). The retail price is generally in the mid-$60s per 750mL bottle (some outlets list it around $65–$70). When visiting a store or website, look for the exact product name. Due to its rarity, bottles may sell out, so it’s wise to inquire or reserve in advance if possible. If you find it, expect to pay a premium over standard Bourbon releases, but still excellent value for its age and cask strength. Remember: only purchase if you are 21 or older and consume responsibly.