Home Bourbon Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 Review

Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 Review

September 10, 2025 · By Matthew Evans · 8.7 / 10
Rate this bottle ↓
Whiskey Consensus Score
8.7 /10
Excellent
Score Breakdown
Nose
8.6
Palate
8.7
Finish
8.7
Complexity
8.7
Value
8.7
Consensus Score
Rated by the WC community
No ratings yet — yours sets the Consensus
Nose
Palate
Finish
Complexity
Value
Rate This Bottle — Takes 15 Seconds
Nose
Palate
Finish
Complexity
Value
8.7
/ 10
Our Verdict
Excellent

Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 is a Limited-edition release crafted for the ultimate medium-bodied cigar pairing.

The Good

  • Value
  • Approachable
  • Flavor Profile

The Bad

  • Proof
  • Potential Availability
Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1

A little background

Penelope Bourbon’s Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 is a limited-edition American whiskey crafted specifically to complement medium-bodied cigars. The blend combines straight bourbon, 100% American single malt, and American light whiskey, aged six years and bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV). Produced in small batches with a mash bill of 72% corn, 15% rye, and 13% malt, this release marks the first in an annual series designed to explore unique cigar pairings. Only 7,500 six-bottle cases are being released in select markets, with a suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750mL bottle.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Gold

Nose

Vanilla, chocolate, apple, nutmeg, cinnamon, and oak.

Palate

Peach, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, malt, and spice.

Finish

Toffee, cinnamon graham cracker, dark fruit, and spice.

In closing

Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 offers a genuinely enjoyable and well-executed pour, providing good value for a cigar blend release where many brands aim for a higher price point. The nose delivers a pleasant combination of milk chocolate, vanilla, and candied fruit, while the palate offers a medium body with notes of peach, cinnamon, and caramel. While the body is on the thinner side, the finish is rich and moderately long, with flavors of toffee, cinnamon graham cracker, and dark fruit that lean drier and oakier at the end. At cask strength, this whiskey would likely reach the next level, but even as is, it’s a unique and enjoyable blend of whiskies that pairs well with or without a cigar.
 

NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Penelope Bourbon. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review it with no strings attached.

Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1

8.7

Nose

8.6/10

Palate

8.7/10

Finish

8.7/10

Complexity

8.7/10

Value

8.7/10

The Good

  • Value
  • Approachable
  • Flavor Profile

The Bad

  • Proof
  • Potential Availability
Tried this one? Rate it in 15 seconds — your score shapes the Consensus. Rate it now ↓
cigar blend Penelope Review

Every bottle on Whiskey Consensus is evaluated across five categories on a 1–100 scale. The five scores are averaged to produce a final overall score out of 10.

Nose
Aroma, complexity & first impressions
Palate
Flavor, balance & mouthfeel
Finish
Length, character & quality
Complexity
Depth, layers & evolution in the glass
Value
Quality relative to retail price
Score Rating What It Means
9.5 – 10.0ExceptionalOne for the history books
9.0 – 9.4OutstandingA benchmark expression
8.5 – 8.9GreatSeek this bottle out
8.0 – 8.4Very GoodAbove average in every way
7.5 – 7.9GoodWorth your money
7.0 – 7.4Above AverageA solid everyday pour
6.5 – 6.9AverageUnremarkable but drinkable
6.0 – 6.4Below AverageHard to recommend
5.5 – 5.9Hard PassBetter options at this price
0.0 – 5.4AvoidNot worth your time or money
Matthew Evans
About the Author
Matthew Evans
Whiskey Reviewer · Whiskey Consensus  · 538 posts

Matthew is the founder and visionary behind Whiskey Consensus. What began as a project to explore the Instagram platform and share a love for whiskey has evolved into so much more. Professionally, Matthew works in digital marketing as a solutions engineer and sales leader, bringing innovative strategies to the table. Outside of work, Matthew is an avid runner, as well as a car and watch enthusiast. He is also deeply committed to giving back to the community through various volunteer responsibilities.

More by Matthew Evans →
Every expert score has a flip side.

The Community Consensus is built from real ratings by people who've actually poured this bottle. Add yours and see where you land.

✦ Add Your Score

Keep Exploring

Hundreds of expert reviews and counting. Find your next bottle by style, distillery, or score.