ST. LOUIS (Feb. 17, 2026) – Penelope Bourbon is elevating its award-winning Barrel Strength lineup with the introduction of Barrel Strength 7-Year, a premium blend of straight bourbons bottled uncut and non-chill filtered at 115.2 proof (57.6% ABV). The upgrade from a 4-year to a 7-year age statement delivers deeper maturity and bolder flavor — without an increase in price.
Building on years of industry acclaim, Penelope’s Barrel Strength expressions have earned top honors including Platinum and Double Platinum at the ASCOT Awards, Double Gold and Best-In-Class Finalist at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Gold at the Bartender Spirits Awards. The 2026 Barrel Strength 7-Year release aims to continue that momentum.
Aged Longer. Blended Bolder.
Barrel Strength 7-Year is crafted from four straight bourbon mash bills, aged seven years in hand-selected new American oak barrels. The mash bill consists of:
- 70% corn
- 23% rye
- 5% malted barley
- 2% malted rye
Non-chill filtered and bottled at full proof, the expression showcases Penelope’s signature Four Grain profile amplified with additional depth and structure.
“This one really captures what we love about blending,” said Penelope Founder and Master Blender Danny Polise. “With four different 7-year straight bourbon mash bills coming together into something layered, mature and easy to get behind, it feels like the natural evolution of our Barrel Strength profile.”
Tasting Notes
- Nose: Pecans, dried apricot, vanilla
- Palate: Caramel, toffee, leather, pecans, orange zest
- Finish: White pepper, cinnamon, brown sugar, lingering caramel
The result is a bold yet balanced barrel strength bourbon designed for enthusiasts while remaining approachable for everyday enjoyment.
“Barrel Strength has been a special product for us since the early days of Penelope,” said Penelope Founder and Vice President of Strategy for MGP Ingredients Michael Paladini. “We’ve always strived for each batch to continually get better in this series and we think this release is no exception. Barrel Strength 7-Year marks an exciting new chapter for this product and we can’t wait to see where it goes from here.”
Availability & Pricing
Approximately 13,000 six-bottle cases of Penelope Barrel Strength 7-Year will roll out to select markets beginning this month with a minimum suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750mL bottle — the same price as previous releases despite the increased age and proof.
For availability, visit PenelopeBourbon.com.
About Penelope Bourbon
Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon is one of the fastest-growing premium whiskey brands in the U.S., known for its smooth, uniquely blended straight bourbon and finished whiskey expressions. The brand’s portfolio spans Limited Releases, the Cooper Series, Estate Collection, and ready-to-serve cocktails — all recognized with numerous industry awards.
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