Strawberry creme | Sugar plums | Light grain | Young oak

Raisin | Red currant | Light black cherry | Brown sugar | Light creaminess

Prune | Touch of spice | Mildly astringent seasoned oak | Touch dry | Short-medium length

A lot has happened to Penelope Bourbon since the company rolled out their first batch of Rosé Cask Finish. They were a small company in 2020 when they were developing Batch 1, the first in a now ever-expanding cask finish series of bourbons and ryes. After being acquired by MGP in 2023, 2020 certainly felt like quaint times for the fan-favorite company.

Penelope Rosé Cask Finish Batch 8 follows where the series started, and the company continues to source Grenache rosé casks from France. These casks, with an around 4 month finishing time, make Penelope Rosé Cask Finish a much bolder sip than you’d probably expect from anything with rosé attached to its name. Though some may be expecting a lighter, more nuanced sip from a rosé finished bourbon, Penelope seems to feel the opposite. Revisiting Batch 1 for this review, I'm reminded just how flavorful and complex the inaugural batch was and how Batch 8 isn’t too far behind. Though not as complex, Batch 8 offers a flavorful sip filled with rich berry flavors. As with any rosé drink, it makes for a perfect summertime sip, and I expect many would love it with an ice cube in it. Because of its potency, the finished bourbon should hold up surprisingly well in this application.

This release is once again backed by Penelope’s four-grain blend, which gives it an even temperament and it is probably ideal for this type of finished bourbon - though a touch more age would be welcomed. The whiskey finishes slightly dry with a mildly astringent seasoned oak note that seems present because of its wine finish. Batch 8 was once again an enjoyable release in this series, but I can’t help but wonder what a touch more sweet red fruit notes would do for this release. Also worth mentioning, the company did away with the contested glass wine topper that many have taken issue with, but I sorely miss it as it was a small element that really tied the whole concept together. But despite a few misgivings and a welcomed drop in price to $50, Penelope Rosé Cask Finish Batch 8 remains a feel-good summertime bourbon pickup.