Penelope Architects of Golf Bourbon 750ML

Penelope Architects of Golf Bourbon 750ML is a limited-edition, 6-year straight bourbon series bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof) across three individually sold 750 mL expressions — Hole 1, Hole 2, and Hole 3. What distinguishes this release is its progressive stave-finishing concept: all three bottles share the same high-rye bourbon base, but each undergoes increasing American oak stave intensity, creating a deliberate flavor escalation from approachable to bold.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47% (94 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA  |  Age: 6 Years  |  Distillery: Ross & Squibb (MGP)  |  Non-Chill Filtered  |  Limited Release

Production & Heritage

Penelope Bourbon is produced at the Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, operating under the Luxco/MGP Ingredients umbrella — one of the most prolific contract distilling operations in American whiskey. The Architects of Golf series uses a mashbill of 60% corn, 36% rye, and 4% malted barley, giving the base spirit a notably spicy backbone. After six years of aging, each expression is finished with American oak staves at varying intensities and char levels: Hole 1 receives the lightest treatment, Hole 2 builds on that foundation, and Hole 3 pushes the oak influence to its peak. The whiskey is non-chill filtered, preserving the full body and texture developed during the finishing cycle.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Across the series, expect a core of caramel, butterscotch, and vanilla, joined by baking spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Hole 1 leans toward lighter butterscotch and roasted nuts, while Hole 3 introduces mint, bubble gum, and deeper oak character on the nose.

Taste: The palate opens with caramel sweetness and evolves through dark chocolate, baking spice, and vanilla. Hole 1 emphasizes leather and roasted nut tones alongside the chocolate. Hole 2 shifts toward French toast and fruit. Hole 3 delivers the boldest profile, layering cherry, red fruit, chocolate mousse, cinnamon, maple, and more assertive oak.

Finish: The finish ranges from medium on Hole 1 to long and warming on Hole 3, with lingering notes of almond, cinnamon, dark chocolate, and charred oak. The non-chill filtration gives every expression a noticeably full, soft mouthfeel throughout the finish.

How to Drink Architects of Golf

Neat or with a few drops of water is the ideal approach for appreciating the stave-finishing differences across the three bottles — water opens up the mid-palate spice and sweetness. The 94-proof bottling strength also makes this series cocktail-friendly. An Old Fashioned benefits from the dark chocolate and caramel richness, particularly with Hole 3. A Boulevardier pairs well with Hole 2's fruit-forward character and baking spice. A Whiskey Sour built on Hole 1's lighter, butterscotch-driven profile creates a balanced, approachable drink.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts who enjoy comparing stave-finishing variations side by side
• Gifting a golf-loving whiskey collector during tournament season
• Adding a limited-release conversation piece to a home bar
• Hosting a guided tasting flight progressing from Hole 1 through Hole 3

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Architects of Golf taste like? The series centers on caramel, dark chocolate, vanilla, and baking spice, with each successive Hole adding bolder oak, deeper fruit, and richer texture as the stave-finishing intensity increases.

How does Architects of Golf compare to Maker's Mark 46? Both are stave-finished bourbons in a similar proof range, and reviewers have noted that Architects of Golf shares a comparable soft mouthfeel with Maker's Mark 46. The key difference is Penelope's high-rye mashbill (36% rye versus Maker's red winter wheat), which delivers more spice-forward character, and the three-bottle progressive finishing concept has no equivalent in the Maker's lineup.

Is Architects of Golf good for sipping neat? Yes — the 94-proof strength and non-chill filtration make all three expressions well-suited for neat sipping, with enough complexity to reward slow, attentive tasting.

Where is Architects of Golf made? It is distilled at the Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a facility operated under the Luxco/MGP Ingredients umbrella known for producing bourbon for numerous American whiskey brands.

What foods pair well with Architects of Golf? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the oak and caramel notes. Dark chocolate truffles mirror the chocolate mousse and cocoa flavors. Pecan pie matches the roasted nut and butterscotch character. Aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness with savory depth. Grilled stone fruit works particularly well with Hole 3's cherry and red fruit tones.

What sizes does Architects of Golf come in? Each Hole expression in the Architects of Golf series is available as a standard 750 mL bottle.

Is Architects of Golf worth the price? The series positions as a limited-edition premium release within Penelope's portfolio, sitting above their core range. The 6-year age statement, non-chill filtration, and the collectible three-bottle stave-finishing concept justify its place in the upper-mid tier of American bourbon pricing.

Why Architects of Golf?

The defining appeal of this release is its structured, escalating stave-finishing process — a concept that goes beyond the single-expression stave finishing popularized by distilleries like Maker's Mark. All three bottles draw from the same 6-year, high-rye bourbon base, isolating the oak stave variable so drinkers can taste exactly how increasing char levels and stave intensity shape flavor. The non-chill filtered bottling at 94 proof preserves the full texture of each variation. For bourbon drinkers interested in understanding how finishing transforms a whiskey — or collectors drawn to limited, thematically unified series — Architects of Golf provides a focused, well-executed study in American oak influence.