Penelope Bourbon: From Coveted Bottles to Sold-Out Status

In a bourbon landscape dominated by legacy distilleries and headline-grabbing age statements, Penelope Bourbon has quietly — and now very visibly — earned its place among the most respected modern brands. Founded in 2018, Penelope built its reputation on precision blending, balance, and approachability, proving that thoughtful craftsmanship can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with tradition.

Rather than chasing extremes, Penelope focuses on harmony: sourcing high-quality distillates, blending multiple mash bills, and releasing bourbons that are layered, drinkable, and consistently refined. That philosophy has paid off — not just in awards, but in genuine demand.

A Naples stop that says a lot

While spending time in Naples, Florida, I made a point to visit The Warren, one of the area’s standout whiskey-forward restaurants and cocktail destinations. Between the thoughtfully curated bourbon list and the beautifully designed members-only bourbon room, it’s immediately clear that whiskey is taken seriously here.

I was hoping to revisit a few Penelope expressions — and ideally try a couple I hadn’t yet explored — but nearly all of the Penelope bottles had already sold out. In a room filled with exceptional bourbon options, Penelope wasn’t just represented… it was gone.

That alone speaks volumes about the brand’s popularity right now.

An Inside Look at a Serious Bourbon Program

What made the visit even more memorable was a stop at the table by Thomas Dale, General Manager of The Warren, along with BC Bailey Case, the restaurant’s in-house bourbon expert. They spent a few minutes talking bourbon, walked me through the private bourbon room, and made several thoughtful recommendations once we realized the Penelopes were unavailable.

It was a reminder of something important: when respected bourbon professionals are talking about what’s sold out — not what they’re trying to push — that’s where real demand lives. Penelope’s absence on the shelf said more than any tasting note ever could.

The Bottles Everyone Is Chasing

🥃 The Estate Collection (10+ Years)

Penelope’s Estate Collection represents a major evolution for the brand, showcasing longer aging and deeper complexity while staying true to its blended DNA.

Standout releases include:

Founders Reserve (13-Year) – Rich caramel, toasted oak, warm baking spice, and a long, confident finish.

10-Year Single Barrel & Private Select releases – Each barrel offering subtle variations in sweetness, oak structure, and spice, making them particularly appealing to collectors.

These bottles have earned high acclaim and multiple awards, solidifying Penelope’s place in premium bourbon conversations.

🥃 Innovative Finishes That Still Feel Intentional

Penelope has also built a loyal following through creative finishing programs that enhance — rather than overpower — the base bourbon:

Havana – Finished in Caribbean rum and maple syrup barrels, delivering molasses depth and subtle tropical notes.

Rosé Cask Finish – A softer, more delicate expression finished in French rosé wine casks, offering hints of fruit, vanilla, and gentle sweetness.

These releases appeal to adventurous bourbon drinkers without crossing into novelty territory — a balance that’s surprisingly rare.

The Barrel Strength 7-Year: A Defining Release

One of the most talked-about Penelope releases to date is the Barrel Strength 7-Year Bourbon, and for good reason.

This expression allows Penelope’s four-grain blend to speak for itself:

Seven years of aging brings added depth and maturity

Uncut and non-chill filtered

Bottled at barrel strength, delivering bold flavor without sacrificing balance

Expect layers of caramel, toffee, orange zest, leather, baking spice, and a warming, lingering finish — confident, polished, and expressive.

Perhaps most impressive is that this level of quality remains relatively approachable in price, especially in today’s premium bourbon market.

Why Penelope’s Momentum Feels Earned

Seeing Penelope sold out at a place like The Warren reinforces what bourbon drinkers already know: this isn’t hype — it’s momentum built on consistency, trust, and smart blending.

Penelope has managed to:

Earn serious awards without inflating prices

Offer premium aged bourbon while remaining approachable

Build organic demand among collectors, bars, and everyday enthusiasts alike

Whether you’re discovering the brand for the first time or hunting down its harder-to-find releases, Penelope Bourbon has clearly moved from one to watch to one worth chasing.

And if Naples is any indication — you may want to grab the bottle when you see it. 🥃