Penelope Wheated Bourbon 750ML

Penelope Wheated Bourbon 750ML is a non-chill filtered, four-grain straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 47.5% ABV (95 proof) in a 750ml bottle. What sets this expression apart from typical wheated bourbons is its unconventional mashbill — it incorporates both wheat and rye, doubling the wheat proportion relative to the rye to create a profile that balances sweetness with a thread of peppery spice rarely found in the wheated bourbon category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47.5% (95 Proof)  |  Origin: Indiana, USA  |  NAS (Aged 4–6 Years)  |  Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP)

Production & Heritage

Penelope Bourbon sources its whiskey from the Ross & Squibb Distillery, the Indiana-based facility formerly and still widely known as MGP — one of the most respected contract distilleries in American whiskey. The Wheated expression uses a four-grain mashbill of 74% corn, 16% wheat, 7% rye, and 3% malted barley, a departure from traditional wheated bourbons that typically omit rye entirely. The liquid is aged between four and six years, then bottled without chill filtration, preserving the full range of oils and flavor compounds developed during maturation. This four-grain approach gives the bourbon a distinctive character that bridges the gap between soft wheated styles and spicier high-rye profiles.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with light oak and sweet corn before transitioning into baked notes of hot cross buns, vanilla, and subtle brown sugar. Honeyed pear and fresh apple round out the bouquet, with a whisper of nutmeg lingering underneath.

Taste: On the palate, the entry is soft and approachable, led by vanilla and honey. Mid-palate, caramel apple and a hint of orange zest emerge alongside gentle oak. White peppercorn and rye spice build gradually toward the peak, adding structure without overpowering the bourbon's inherent sweetness.

Finish: The finish is medium-long with lingering brown sugar, toasted oak, and a touch of cinnamon spice. It leaves a warm, gently drying impression that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Penelope Wheated

At 95 proof without chill filtration, this bourbon has enough body and complexity to drink neat or with a single ice cube, which opens up the honeyed pear and vanilla notes. A few drops of water tame the initial ethanol and let the subtler spice notes come forward. For cocktails, consider these three:

• Old Fashioned — The brown sugar and cinnamon finish pairs naturally with bitters and a citrus peel, creating a rich, balanced cocktail.
• Paper Plane — The wheat-forward sweetness and rye spice hold up against amaro and Aperol without getting lost.
• Bourbon Smash — Bright lemon and fresh mint amplify the apple and pear character already present in the spirit.

Best For

• Wheated bourbon fans looking to explore a four-grain alternative to Maker's Mark or Larceny
• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who appreciates craft-forward, non-chill filtered whiskey
• Building a home bourbon flight that showcases different mashbill styles
• Evening sipping sessions where you want approachable proof with enough complexity to stay interesting

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Penelope Wheated taste like? Penelope Wheated leads with vanilla, honey, and caramel apple, then develops subtle white pepper and rye spice through the mid-palate. The finish lingers with brown sugar, toasted oak, and a gentle cinnamon warmth.

How does Penelope Wheated compare to Maker's 46? Both are wheated bourbons, but Penelope Wheated uses a four-grain mashbill that includes rye, adding a peppery spice element that Maker's 46 lacks. Maker's 46 undergoes secondary finishing with seared French oak staves and sits at 94 proof, giving it a denser wood influence, while Penelope leans more toward fruit and honey with its non-chill filtered approach at 95 proof.

Is Penelope Wheated good for sipping neat? Yes — at 95 proof and non-chill filtered, it has enough weight and flavor complexity to stand on its own without needing ice or a mixer. The balanced sweetness and moderate spice make it accessible even for those still building their palate for higher-proof bourbon.

Where is Penelope Wheated made? Penelope Wheated Bourbon is distilled at the Ross & Squibb Distillery (commonly known as MGP) in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, one of the most prolific and well-regarded bourbon distilleries in the United States.

What foods pair well with Penelope Wheated? Smoked pork ribs with a brown sugar glaze complement the bourbon's caramel and cinnamon notes. Apple pie or tarte Tatin mirrors the apple and pear aromas. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts nicely with the honey sweetness. Pecan pralines echo the toasted oak and brown sugar finish. Charcuterie with honeycomb brings out the vanilla and honeyed character.

What sizes does Penelope Wheated come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Penelope Wheated worth the price? Penelope Wheated positions as a mid-shelf bourbon that punches above its price tier, particularly for a non-chill filtered, four-grain expression aged four to six years. It delivers complexity and production transparency that compete with bottles priced considerably higher in the wheated bourbon segment.

Why Penelope Wheated?

The defining differentiator here is the four-grain mashbill — most wheated bourbons simply swap rye for wheat, but Penelope keeps both grains in the recipe, giving the whiskey a subtle spice backbone that prevents it from falling into the one-note sweetness common in the category. Non-chill filtration at 95 proof means you're getting the full texture and flavor spectrum as it comes out of the barrel, not a polished-down version. Sourced from MGP — a distillery with decades of proven expertise — the base spirit carries serious credibility. For drinkers who enjoy wheated bourbon but want something with more dimension, Penelope Wheated fills a gap that few competitors in this price range address.