Penelope Bourbon celebrates a unique chapter in whiskey history with its latest release of American Light Whiskey. This rare 2024 release features whiskey distilled at 189 proof in 2006 at the historic Seagram’s site in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, now the Ross & Squibb Distillery. Aged for 17 years in second-fill oak barrels and bottled at cask strength of 138.8 proof (69.4% ABV), this standout offering boasts a smooth, mellow profile. A limited supply of Penelope American Light Whiskey will be available beginning in February in select markets with a suggested retail price of $99.99.
In contrast to higher-proof bourbons, which can be bold and intense, Penelope American Light Whiskey is an approachable and refined expression. Due to its unique production methods and limited availability, it’s a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts.
“American Light Whiskey is always one of our favorite releases of the year,” said Michael Paladini, Penelope founder and vice president of strategy for MGP. “We released a 13-year-old American Light Whiskey in 2021 and a 15-year-old in 2024. This year’s release will be a 17-year-old, the oldest barrels we’ve ever released. Rich and flavorful, this is truly a special whiskey, and we are excited to get it out into the market.”
Crafted from a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley, Penelope American Light Whiskey offers sweet aromas of butterscotch, cake batter, and cotton candy. It delivers flavors of brown sugar, vanilla bean ice cream, and light orchard fruits, with a lingering finish of light butter, waffle cone, and powdered sugar.
“This release is the result of an innovative chapter in the history of American whiskey,” said Danny Polise, Penelope founder and master blender. “The high corn mash bill and long aging really bring out unique character in the batch. It’s been a pleasure to watch this whiskey evolve and to release this 17-year batch after our prior 13- and 15-year releases.”
Penelope American Light Whiskey is part of Penelope’s annual Limited Releases—exclusive offerings featuring some of the rarest and most unique barrels, showcasing the pinnacle of blending innovation and barrel selection. Other Limited Releases include F*ck Cancer and the award-winning Toasted Rye.
About Penelope Bourbon
Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has become one of the fastest-growing whiskey brands in the U.S. Named after founder Michael Paladini’s daughter, Penelope Bourbon offers a range of uniquely blended and finished straight bourbon and rye expressions, known for their smoothness and rich flavor, ideal for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails.
Penelope’s core expressions—including Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect, and Toasted Bourbon—have garnered over 40 industry awards. In 2024, Penelope won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Barrel Strength and Toasted Rye, alongside innovation awards for limited releases such as Rio.
Continuing to innovate within its Cooper Series, Limited Releases, and Estate Collection, Penelope Bourbon has cemented its place among premium whiskey brands. Today, Penelope is available in 49 states and seven countries, embodying the belief that with passion, dedication, and love, anything is possible.