Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 Review

Disclosure: the sample for this review was provided at no cost. Our tasting notes and score are our own.

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

101 Proof

8.7 Great
  • Nose 8.6
  • Palate 8.7
  • Finish 8.7
  • Complexity 8.7
  • Value 8.7

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Matthew Evans

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.