Penelope F*uck Cancer 750ML

Penelope F*ck Cancer 750ML is a limited-edition four-grain straight bourbon blend bottled at 47% ABV (94 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Released as part of an ongoing charitable collaboration between Penelope Bourbon, SharedPour, and the FCancer nonprofit organization, this expression carries a combined $500,000 fundraising commitment behind it — making it one of the more significant charity-driven bourbon releases in recent years.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47% (94 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA  |  Blend of Straight Whiskeys Aged 4–6 Years  |  Distillery: Ross & Squibb (formerly MGP)

Production & Heritage

Penelope Bourbon sources its whiskey from the Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana — the facility formerly known as MGP, one of the most prolific contract distilleries in the United States. The mashbill runs approximately 42% corn, 37% rye, and 21% malted barley, giving the liquid a distinctly rye-heavy backbone compared to most bourbons on the market. For this F*ck Cancer expression, the blend draws from straight whiskeys aged between four and six years, then bottled at 94 proof — a deliberate step down from the barrel-strength variants (which have appeared at 114–116 proof) to prioritize approachability and a smoother drinking experience.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Orange zest leads the nose immediately, followed by warm caramel and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Baking spice, white pepper, and a hint of allspice develop as the whiskey opens up in the glass.

Taste: The entry is soft and citrus-forward, with prominent notes of brown sugar and butterscotch coating the palate. At the midpoint, a notably velvety mouthfeel emerges — Breaking Bourbon specifically highlighted this texture — as flavors of vanilla, cherry, pear, and apricot layer over toasted oak and light pepper. The high rye content asserts itself in a gentle spice that threads through each sip without overwhelming the sweeter elements.

Finish: Long and oily, with sweet rye-bread fruitiness and citrus peel lingering well past the swallow. Seasoned oak and warm baking spice gradually take over, leaving a dry but pleasant close that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Penelope F*ck Cancer

At 94 proof, this bourbon drinks well neat or with a single ice cube, which opens up the citrus aromatics without diluting the velvety mid-palate. A few drops of water can further coax out the apricot and pear notes.

Old Fashioned: The pronounced orange zest character means the bourbon already carries a natural citrus accent, complementing the cocktail's classic Angostura bitters beautifully. Paper Plane: The rye-heavy mashbill and fruit-forward profile integrate seamlessly with Aperol and Amaro Nonino, adding depth without fighting the bitter components. Bourbon Sour: Brown sugar sweetness and that oily texture create a rich, rounded base that holds up against fresh lemon juice and egg white.

Best For

• Supporting cancer research through a meaningful spirits purchase
• Adding a limited-edition charitable release to a bourbon collection
• Gifting someone who values both quality whiskey and social impact
• Tasting alongside Penelope's standard four-grain and barrel-strength expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Penelope F*ck Cancer taste like? This bourbon leads with citrus — particularly orange zest — followed by brown sugar, butterscotch, and vanilla, all carried on a velvety mouthfeel. The high-rye mashbill adds baking spice and white pepper that build toward a long, oily finish of rye-bread fruitiness and seasoned oak.

How does Penelope F*ck Cancer compare to the standard Penelope Four Grain? Both expressions share the same Ross & Squibb-distilled, four-grain DNA, but the F*ck Cancer release is a distinct blend of 4–6 year old whiskeys selected specifically for this collaboration. Drinkhacker noted the standard-proof F*ck Cancer bottling is notably well-rounded, and its citrus-forward profile gives it a different character than the core Penelope lineup.

Is Penelope F*ck Cancer good for sipping neat? Yes — the 94 proof point keeps it approachable enough for neat drinking, and the velvety texture and layered fruit notes reward slow sipping. It also makes an excellent candidate for a side-by-side tasting against the barrel-strength version.

Where is Penelope F*ck Cancer made? The whiskey is distilled at Ross & Squibb Distillery (formerly MGP) in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the most established distilleries in the American whiskey industry. Penelope Bourbon, headquartered separately, handles the blending and brand operations.

What foods pair well with Penelope F*ck Cancer? Smoked pork belly or pulled pork complements the bourbon's brown sugar sweetness and oak spice. Dark chocolate truffles echo the chocolate-chip-cookie aromatics on the nose. Stone fruit desserts like peach cobbler mirror the apricot and pear notes on the palate. Aged cheddar provides a savory counterpoint to the butterscotch richness. Pecan pie amplifies the toasted-nut and caramel elements in the finish.

What sizes does Penelope F*ck Cancer come in? The standard release is available in the 750ml bottle size, which is the primary format for this limited-edition collaboration.

Is Penelope F*ck Cancer worth the price? This expression positions in the mid-premium tier for American whiskey, and part of each purchase directly supports the FCancer nonprofit organization through a combined $500,000 commitment from Penelope and SharedPour. The liquid itself — a well-blended, 4–6 year old four-grain bourbon at 94 proof — holds its own on quality alone, with the charitable component adding meaningful additional value.

Why Penelope F*ck Cancer?

What separates this release from the growing field of charity-branded spirits is that the whiskey genuinely stands on its own merits. The 42% corn, 37% rye, 21% malted barley mashbill is uncommonly rye-forward for a bourbon, producing a citrus-and-spice profile that reviewers have consistently praised for its balance and velvety texture. The 4–6 year age range hits a sweet spot where the oak influence adds structure without eclipsing the grain character. And with Penelope Bourbon and SharedPour backing the FCancer organization with a substantial six-figure commitment, this bottle carries real weight beyond the liquid inside — a legitimate limited release that delivers on both flavor and purpose.