Penelope Bourbon Returns To Rio

Limited-release straight bourbon whiskey features double cask finish of honey and Amburana

Looking for a carnival in a bottle? Penelope Rio is set to deliver. Arriving on shelf in March, Penelope Rio will be available at a suggested retail price of $89.99 per 750-ml bottle. This year’s installment will have a limited allocation of 5,000 (6-in) cases.  

Inspired by the joy of Brazil, Rio delights the senses with a double cask finish of American honey and Amburana, a Brazilian hardwood. The two finishes combine to deliver a rich and sweet experience with surprising depth. 

“Our latest Rio release is a party in a bottle – the finishes complement each other so well, resulting in a fun and surprising mix of flavors,” said Michael Paladini, founder of Penelope Bourbon. “This year’s release delivers a dessert sweetness combined with a nice baking spice on the finish. It’s a fantastic and different combination of rich and sweet, with depth.”

The bourbon features an aroma of sweet honey coupled with notes of cinnamon rolls; a rich body with notes of gingerbread, honey, nectar and baking spice; and a savory finish highlighted by subtle notes of honey and spice. Bottled at 98 proof, Rio’s blended four-grain mash bill consists of 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye and 3% malted barley. 

“Penelope Rio is one of the more complex finishes we release,” said Daniel Polise, founder and master blender of Penelope Bourbon. “We’re really happy with how this one turned out, and we can’t wait to see it on the shelf.”