ST. LOUIS (Dec. 10, 2024) – Penelope Bourbon announces the release of Havana, the latest addition to its award-winning Cooper Series of cask-finished bourbons. Crafted with innovation and indulgence in mind, Havana combines a Caribbean rum cask finish with a distinctive maple syrup cask finish, creating a bourbon experience that’s both rich and tropical.
Havana redefines the boundaries of bourbon finishing by repurposing barrels used to age Penelope bourbon and maple syrup, delivering a flavor journey that balances molasses sweetness, maple warmth, and oak spice.
“This is much more than a rum-finished bourbon – it’s a standout in our collection of cask-finished bourbons,” said Danny Polise, Penelope Bourbon Founder and Master Blender. “The maple finish perfectly complements the rum-finished base, elevating the blend and balancing savory, sweet, and oak spice.”
Havana’s Craft and Tasting Experience
Havana starts with Penelope’s Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey, aged four years and crafted with a mash bill of 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, and 3% malted barley. The bourbon undergoes a double cask finish:
- 12 months in Caribbean rum casks, which impart molasses and tropical sweetness
- 1 month in maple syrup barrels, enhancing the bourbon’s depth and adding warmth
At 93 proof (46.5% ABV), the resulting expression is a complex yet approachable bourbon, perfect for both connoisseurs and newcomers.
Tasting Notes:
- Aroma: Molasses, banana bread, and rich maple
- Palate: Robust caramel corn, charred oak, and candied pecans
- Finish: Lingering vanilla, brown sugar, syrup, and hints of mellow tobacco and spice
“We’ve been working on Havana for a long time to deliver the perfect product, and we couldn’t be happier with the result,” said Michael Paladini, Penelope Bourbon Founder and Vice President of Strategy for MGP Ingredients.
A Legacy of Innovation: The Penelope Cooper Series
Havana joins the ranks of Penelope Bourbon’s Cooper Series, which is known for its annual limited-edition releases that push the boundaries of cask finishing. The Cooper Series includes:
- Rio: Finished in American honey and Brazilian oak casks
- Rosé: Finished in French Grenache rosé wine casks
- Tokaji: Finished in Hungarian wine casks
- Valencia: Finished in Vino de Naranja casks from Sevilla, Spain
Havana is available in limited quantities nationwide, with a suggested retail price of $79.99.
About Penelope Bourbon
Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has quickly become one of the fastest-growing whiskey brands in the U.S. Named after founder Michael Paladini’s daughter, Penelope Bourbon offers uniquely blended and finished bourbon and rye expressions, celebrated for their smoothness and rich flavors.
With over 40 industry awards, including Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Penelope continues to innovate with its Cooper Series, Limited Releases, and Estate Collection.
Today, Penelope Bourbon is available in 49 states and seven countries, solidifying its position as a top premium whiskey brand.
Experience Havana Today
Elevate your bourbon collection with Penelope Havana, a bold yet approachable expression of tropical flavors and maple richness. Learn more at penelopebourbon.com or follow @penelopebourbon on Instagram and Facebook.
Cheers to innovation, passion, and the art of bourbon blending!
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