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Penelope Estate Collection Private Select 9 Year Bourbon

November 18, 2024 · By Matthew Evans · 8.4 / 10
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Whiskey Consensus Score
8.4 /10
Very Good
Score Breakdown
Nose
8.4
Palate
8.5
Finish
8.4
Complexity
8.5
Value
8.4
Consensus Score
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Nose
Palate
Finish
Complexity
Value
8.4
/ 10
Our Verdict
Very Good

Penelope Private Select annual release explores new and unique expressions of their straight bourbon whiskey blends.

The Good

  • Flavor attack on palate
  • Bright palate
  • Price

The Bad

  • Availability
Penelope Estate Collection Private Select 9 Year Bourbon

A little background

The Penelope Estate Collection Private Select 9 Year Bourbon is a testament to craftsmanship and innovation, showcasing the finest of Penelope’s aged barrel stocks. This annual release celebrates the art of blending with a masterful mash bill of 74% corn, 20% rye, 1% wheat, and 5% barley malt. Aged for nine years, distilled in Indiana and Kentucky, and bottled at a robust 101.2 proof, this bourbon is non-chill filtered to preserve its rich character. With a retail price of $65 USD, Batch #24-201 highlights Penelope’s commitment to crafting exceptional, high-quality whiskey.

(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)

Color

Gold

Nose

Bright cherry, vanilla, caramel, tootsie roll, and orange custard.

Palate

Cherry, brown sugar, toasted caramel, butterscotch, tangerine, vanilla custard.

Finish

Baking spice, white pepper, fudge, and caramel.

In closing

Penelope Estate Collection Private Select 9 Year Bourbon offers a bright and inviting nose, though not overly complex, with notes of cherry, vanilla, and caramel that are sure to please. The palate delivers a lively burst of cherry, toasted caramel, and tangerine, creating an engaging initial flavor attack, though it leans slightly drying. While the mouthfeel is average and it drinks hotter than its 101.2 proof, the bright flavors and balance make up for it. The finish, with hints of baking spice, fudge, and caramel, is of average length but satisfying. At $65, this bourbon represents solid value and is a commendable choice for those seeking a well-crafted pour.
 

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 Estate Collection Private Select 9 Year Bourbon

101.2 Proof
8.4

Nose

8.4/10

Palate

8.5/10

Finish

8.4/10

Complexity

8.5/10

Value

8.4/10

The Good

  • Flavor attack on palate
  • Bright palate
  • Price

The Bad

  • Availability
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Bourbon 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.

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