Penelope Project X Double Barrel Liquor Barn Single Bourbon 750ML

Penelope Project X Double Barrel Liquor Barn Single Bourbon 750ML is a 108-proof (54% ABV) straight bourbon single barrel selection that underwent dual maturation in two distinct barrels. Distilled at MGP's historic Lawrenceburg, Indiana facility, this limited-edition expression draws concentrated depth from its double-barrel aging process, yielding layers of caramel, oak spice, and dark fruit that reward deliberate sipping.

Quick Facts: ABV: 54% (108 Proof)  |  Origin: Lawrenceburg, Indiana, USA  |  Style: Straight Bourbon, Double Barrel  |  Distillery: MGP of Indiana

Production & Heritage

Penelope Bourbon was founded with a focus on four-grain bourbon blending and has earned significant recognition, including Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its core expressions. The Project X line represents the brand's experimental arm, and this Double Barrel expression starts as straight bourbon distilled at MGP's Lawrenceburg distillery — a facility with roots dating back to 1847 that is widely regarded as one of America's premier bourbon and rye producers. The liquid matures in an initial charred oak barrel before being transferred to a second barrel for additional aging, a dual extraction process that amplifies wood-derived sugars, tannins, and spice complexity. Penelope's standard mashbill features 75% corn, 7% rye, 15% wheat, and 3% malted barley — a four-grain recipe that balances sweetness from corn and wheat with the gentle bite of rye. Bottled at a robust 108 proof without chill filtration, this single barrel selection delivers the full, uncut character of the double-barrel maturation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep vanilla and toasted oak greet the nose first, followed by layers of subtle baking spice and dried stone fruit. A thread of caramelized sugar ties the aromatics together as the bourbon opens up in the glass.

Taste: The entry is rich with caramel and buttery toffee, building quickly to a mid-palate of cinnamon bark and toasted almond. Dark fruit undertones — think dried cherry and fig — emerge as the proof asserts itself, adding density without harshness. The four-grain mashbill contributes a rounded, almost creamy mouthfeel that carries the bolder flavors well.

Finish: Long and warming, with oak spice and sweet dried fruit lingering together through a slow fade. A pleasant tannic grip from the double-barrel aging adds structure to the tail end.

How to Drink Project X Double Barrel

At 108 proof, this bourbon rewards a neat pour with a few minutes of rest in the glass; a splash of water opens up the fruit and toffee notes considerably without dulling the oak backbone. The proof and flavor density also make it a powerful cocktail anchor. An Old Fashioned benefits from the dark fruit and caramel weight, which stand up to bitters and sugar without disappearing. A Boulevardier pairs the bourbon's toasted oak character against sweet vermouth and Campari for a rich, bitter-sweet balance. A simple Whiskey Sour leverages the high proof to maintain bourbon presence against fresh citrus.

Best For

• Bourbon collectors seeking limited single barrel selections with a distinctive production story
• Side-by-side tastings comparing double-barrel aging to standard single-barrel bourbons
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who appreciates barrel-proof and high-proof expressions
• Building high-proof Old Fashioneds for a home cocktail bar

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Project X Double Barrel taste like? It delivers a rich profile of caramel, toffee, and cinnamon underpinned by dark dried fruit and toasted oak, with the dual maturation amplifying wood-sugar sweetness and tannic structure beyond what a standard single-barrel bourbon typically provides.

How does Project X Double Barrel compare to Penelope Barrel Strength? Both are high-proof Penelope expressions distilled at MGP, but the Barrel Strength is a blend of barrels matured in a single vessel, while the Project X Double Barrel undergoes a second barrel maturation that adds additional oak influence and complexity. The Barrel Strength has earned Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while this Project X expression is a more limited, experimental release.

Is Project X Double Barrel good for sipping neat? Yes — at 108 proof it is full-flavored and intense but not abrasive, and a small addition of water can unlock additional layers of fruit and vanilla for those who prefer a slightly mellower sip.

Where is Project X Double Barrel made? It is distilled at MGP's facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the most storied distilleries in American whiskey, and is produced under the Penelope Bourbon brand.

What foods pair well with Project X Double Barrel? Smoked brisket works well with the bourbon's oak and caramel depth; dark chocolate truffles complement the dried fruit undertones; pecan pie mirrors the toasted nut and toffee notes; aged cheddar contrasts the sweetness with sharp, savory richness; and brown butter–glazed pork chops echo the caramelized sugar character.

What sizes does Project X Double Barrel come in? This single barrel selection is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Project X Double Barrel worth the price? It positions as a limited-production, single barrel bourbon at barrel-proof strength with a distinctive double-maturation process, placing it in the premium tier where the added complexity and scarcity justify a higher price point compared to Penelope's core lineup.

Why Project X Double Barrel?

The defining feature here is the dual barrel maturation — a production step that genuinely changes the character of the whiskey rather than serving as a mere marketing distinction. The second barrel introduces an additional layer of wood interaction, increasing caramel sweetness and tannic complexity in a way that a single barrel cannot replicate. Bottled at an unflinching 108 proof from a single barrel selection, this is not a blended product smoothed out for broad appeal; it is a snapshot of one specific barrel's journey through two distinct aging environments at MGP's Lawrenceburg distillery. For drinkers who value transparency of proof and experimental aging techniques in their bourbon, this expression delivers a compelling case for what double-barrel maturation can achieve.