Is Penelope Bourbon More Than Just a Pretty Face? | Rosé Cask & Architect Reviewed

Jun 30

Welcome back to Tortured Bourbon, where Heather and B do the heavy lifting (read: drinking) so you can figure out if that gorgeous bottle on your shelf is actually worth cracking open.

Today, we’re diving into two of the most Instagram-ready bourbons on the market: the Penelope Rosé Cask Finish and the Penelope Architect Series. These bottles look like they were designed by a graphic artist who mainlines pastel mood boards and spends weekends reorganizing their Pinterest boards. But is there more to these Penelope expressions than a face made for social media?

Who is Penelope Bourbon Anyway?

Penelope Bourbon burst onto the scene in 2018, founded by Mike Paladini and his friend Danny Polise. Sweet backstory? It’s named after Mike’s daughter, Penelope. (Insert collective awww here.)

But sentimental names aside, Penelope built its reputation by sourcing bourbon from MGP in Indiana, blending multiple mash bills to create what they call “elegant, balanced, easy-drinking bourbon.” Basically, they’re trying to be the Taylor Swift of bourbon: approachable, crowd-pleasing, and everywhere.

The Rosé Cask Finish – A Bourbon for Brunch Lovers

Heather:

“This is their straight bourbon finished in French rosé wine casks, bottled at 94 proof. So basically, my entire personality from April to October.”

Online tasting notes say to expect:

Nose: Strawberry shortcake, vanilla frosting, maybe a whisper of rose petals.
Palate: Red berries, sweet cream, light oak spice.
Finish: Soft, floral, lightly dry.

“So it’s a boozy brunch mimosa that moved to the country and started quoting Hemingway. Cool.”

Whether it actually drinks that way? You’ll have to watch our episode for the live reactions — spoiler: Heather tries to convert everyone, including B, who would sooner mow the lawn in a romper than drink pink whiskey.

The Architect Series – Where Oak Gets Nerdy

Next up: the Architect Series, which might be the nerdiest project in bourbon. Penelope teamed up with Tonnellerie Radoux, a French cooperage that uses OakScan technology (which is not, despite rumors, a rejected Marvel villain name). They finish this bourbon with hand-picked French oak staves to dial up complexity.

104 proof, still an MGP base.
Nose: Toasted marshmallow, baking spice, caramel apple.
Palate: Vanilla custard, honeyed nuts, light cocoa.
Finish: Warm oak, cinnamon, dried fruit.

Heather:

“This bottle might have a better palate than some people I’ve dated.”

B:

“Definitely more emotionally stable.”

We love bourbon that goes full geek mode, and this one’s basically the engineer with a well-fitted suit and a secret sourdough starter.

So… Are They Worth It?

The Rosé Cask is like a summer fling — light, floral, maybe a little basic, but who doesn’t need that once in a while?

The Architect? That’s your thoughtful date who opens doors, actually listens, and pays for the Uber home.

But are they more than just pretty labels? We think so. Both bottles bring more than Instagram clout. They deliver interesting flavor profiles that make them stand out in the ever-crowded MGP-sourced bourbon scene.

Join the Madness

👉 Want to watch our live reactions?

Check out the full tasting on our YouTube channel and see if we crown either of these the prom queen of bourbon.

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👉 Explore more reviews, rankings, and awkward banter at torturedbourbon.com.

Got thoughts on Penelope? Have you tried their Barrel Strength or Toasted Series? Or would you rather keep your bourbon rugged and let the wine stay in its own damn glass? Drop us a comment or shoot us a DM — we’re here for it, and we’re here for you.

Cheers, y’all. 🥃