Penelope Cigar Sessions 01 American Whiskey

Penelope Bourbon elevates the timeless pairing of whiskey and cigars with Cigar Sessions Chapter 1, an innovative inaugural release developed in close collaboration with master cigar blenders. This audacious blend unites three distinct American whiskey categories—straight bourbon, 100% American single malt, and American light whiskey—each aged for a minimum of six years before being expertly combined. The overall mashbill comprises 72% corn, 15% rye, and 13% malted barley, creating a carefully balanced structure that supports layer upon layer of flavor without feeling overwrought. Bottled at 101 proof with no additional finishing, this small-batch, limited-edition expression proves that exceptional blending can stand as a masterclass in whiskey innovation.

On the nose, Chapter 1 opens with inviting notes of milk chocolate, vanilla, and candied apple, with gentle hints of nutmeg spice and red apple skin. The palate reveals the whiskey's sophisticated complexity—the American single malt component shines through with honey and malt character, while chocolate, dried peach, tobacco, and warm caramel add richness and depth. The finish delivers a dry oak profile complemented by toffee, dark fruit, light oak, burnt orange peel, and cinnamon, with a welcome nose-filling warmth that lingers gracefully.

Crafted specifically to enhance medium-bodied cigars, Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 succeeds as a thoughtfully engineered pairing experience while standing magnificently on its own as a sophisticated sipping whiskey. Limited to approximately 45,000 bottles, this boundary-breaking release represents the first chapter in Penelope's annual Cigar Sessions series, with future releases designed to explore additional cigar pairings and flavor profiles. For cigar aficionados and whiskey connoisseurs alike, this is boundary-breaking blending that refuses to compromise.