Penelope Valencia Bourbon 750ML

Penelope Valencia Bourbon 750ML is a four-grain bourbon finished in Spanish orange wine casks, bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV) in a 750ml format. Named a Top-10 Whiskey Under $100 by Whiskey Raiders and awarded Silver medals at both the 2023 and 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competitions, Valencia stands out for its 12-month secondary maturation in Vino de Naranja barrels—a finishing treatment virtually no other American whiskey uses.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47.5% (95 proof)  |  Origin: Indiana, USA  |  Vino de Naranja Cask Finish  |  Distillery: Penelope

Production & Heritage

Penelope Bourbon built its reputation on a distinctive four-grain mashbill of 74% corn, 7% rye, 16% wheat, and 3% malted barley—a recipe that balances the sweetness of corn and wheat against a modest rye backbone. Valencia belongs to Penelope's Cooper Series, a line dedicated to experimental cask finishes. After initial maturation, the bourbon spends an additional 12 months in Vino de Naranja casks sourced from southern Spain's Sevilla region. Vino de Naranja is produced by aging white wine with the bitter, aromatic peels of Seville oranges in oak barrels, and those deeply infused staves transfer a layered citrus character that conventional finishing casks simply cannot replicate.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh tangerine and candied orange peel arrive first, followed by warm waves of cinnamon stick and nutmeg. Beneath the citrus sits a base of rich caramel and vanilla that anchors the nose without competing with the fruit.

Taste: The entry is soft and round—sweet orange cream and lemon cheesecake transition quickly into a mid-palate of apricot, graham cracker, and clove. As the proof asserts itself, baking spice and a thread of fresh leather emerge, giving the whiskey structure and complexity beyond its citrus-forward first impression.

Finish: Medium-long with lingering dried fruit, a subtle wisp of smoke, and a warm cinnamon glow. The orange character returns at the very end as a clean, slightly bitter Seville peel note that keeps the finish from turning overly sweet.

How to Drink Penelope Valencia

Neat at room temperature is the most revealing serve; the Vino de Naranja influence unfolds gradually and rewards patience. A single large ice cube softens the spice and amplifies the orange cream quality. Three cocktails where Valencia excels: an Old Fashioned, where the inherent citrus character replaces much of the work an orange twist normally does; a Whiskey Sour, where the apricot and tangerine notes deepen the cocktail's natural citrus framework; and a Gold Rush, where the honey-lemon template lets the orange-spice backbone of Valencia shine through cleanly.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who collects unusual cask finishes
• Hosting a side-by-side tasting of wine-finished American whiskeys
• After-dinner sipping alongside citrus-driven desserts
• Introducing adventurous drinkers to specialty-finished bourbon

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Penelope Valencia taste like? The dominant profile is citrus-forward—tangerine, candied orange peel, and apricot—layered over a warm base of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice. A touch of smoke and fresh leather adds depth beneath the fruit.

How does Penelope Valencia compare to Angel's Envy Port Finish? Both are wine-cask-finished bourbons, but they aim at different flavor targets: Angel's Envy leans into dark berry and maple sweetness from its port barrels, while Valencia delivers bright citrus and orange blossom character from Vino de Naranja casks. Valencia also runs hotter at 95 proof compared to Angel's Envy's 86.6 proof, giving it more body and spice on the palate.

Is Penelope Valencia good for sipping neat? Yes—the 95-proof strength is well-balanced by the four-grain mashbill's inherent softness, and the orange wine finish adds enough complexity to keep each sip interesting without requiring dilution.

Where is Penelope Valencia made? Penelope Valencia is produced in Indiana, where the four-grain bourbon is distilled and aged before undergoing its 12-month finishing period in Spanish Vino de Naranja casks.

What foods pair well with Penelope Valencia? Dark chocolate complements the bourbon's orange peel and spice notes. Roasted duck with citrus glaze mirrors the tangerine profile. Aged Manchego cheese provides a nutty, savory contrast to the sweetness. Crème brûlée echoes the caramel and vanilla core. Cinnamon-spiced apple tart amplifies the baking spice finish.

What sizes does Penelope Valencia come in? Penelope Valencia is available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Penelope Valencia worth the price? Valencia positions as a mid-premium bourbon—priced above standard four-grain releases but below single-barrel and allocated bottles. Its recognition as a Top-10 Whiskey Under $100 by Whiskey Raiders and consecutive Silver medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition suggest strong value for a specialty-finished expression.

Why Penelope Valencia?

The Vino de Naranja finish is Valencia's defining move. While dozens of bourbons now use port, sherry, or Cabernet barrels, almost none employ casks seasoned with Seville orange peel-infused white wine—a technique rooted in Andalusian winemaking tradition. That finishing choice gives Valencia a flavor lane it effectively owns in the bourbon category. Back-to-back Silver medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Top-10 ranking from Whiskey Raiders confirm that the concept translates into real quality, not just novelty. For drinkers looking to push past conventional wine-finished bourbons, Valencia delivers genuine distinction at a competitive price point.