Penelope Comes Out With Ultra-Aged Light Whiskey

Penelope Bourbon celebrates a unique chapter in whiskey history with its latest release of American Light Whiskey. This year’s rare release features whiskey distilled at 189 proof in 2006 at the historic Seagram’s site in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, which is now the Ross & Squibb Distillery. The whiskey was aged for 17 years in second-fill oak barrels and bottled at cask strength of 138.8 proof (69.4% ABV). The result of the unique distilling and aging process is a standout offering with a smooth, mellow profile. A very limited supply of Penelope American Light Whiskey will be available beginning in February in select markets at a minimum suggested retail price of $99.99.

Light Whiskey is a class developed in the 1960s, as the Great Whiskey Bust began to take hold. It was developed as part of a misguided bid by North American whiskey makers to chase popular tastes that were moving towards vodka. Just how misguided a strategy that was is clear in hindsight, both because of the results and an appraisal of just what those vodka drinkers were doing with their vodka (then and now). To achieve its lighter body and flavor, Light Whiskey is distilled and barreled to higher proofs than conventional American whiskeys. It is also aged in used barrels. That combination of elements made it not only lighter in character, but cheaper to make as well.

Penelope American Light Whiskey is crafted from a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley.

“American Light Whiskey is always one of our favorite releases of the year,” said Michael Paladini, Penelope founder and vice president of strategy for MGP. “We released a 13-year-old American Light Whiskey in 2021 and a 15-year-old in 2024. This year’s release will be a 17-year-old American Light Whiskey, which are the oldest barrels we have ever released. Rich and flavorful, this is truly a special whiskey, and we are excited to get it out into the market.”

“This release is the result of an innovative chapter in the history of American whiskey,” said Danny Polise, Penelope founder and master blender. “The high corn mash bill and long aging really brings out unique character in the batch. It’s truly been a pleasure to watch this whiskey evolve with aging and be able to release this 17 year batch after our prior 13 and 15 year releases.”