Barrel and Bloom

This bourbon sits confidently at 108 proof and delivers bold flavor from the first sip. What immediately stands out is its sweetness upfront, followed by rich notes of tobacco, leather, and oak. It’s not as spice-forward as I usually prefer, but its depth and complexity still make it a fascinating pour.

Penelope X is part of an emerging trend of experimental bourbons, where master distillers push traditional boundaries—using innovative barrel finishes, blending techniques, and aging environments to create something unique. These expressions allow distillers to explore beyond standard mash bills or oak finishes, offering something both creative and intentional.

This particular bottle is a Private Select, meaning it was hand-picked—often barrel by barrel—by a specific retailer, brand partner, or bourbon club. These picks are unique to the selector and highlight certain flavor characteristics they love. Honestly, I’m drawn to store picks, especially when I find a retailer whose palate aligns with mine. Once you do, it’s like unlocking a secret door to a world of new bourbons that already speak your flavor language.

Everyone’s bourbon journey is different. Flavor perception varies from person to person, which is why finding a trusted store pick with your platette can enhance your tasting experience and introduce you to brands you might otherwise overlook.

This particular private select includes a sherry cask finish.

A sherry cask finish is a secondary aging process used by distillers to enhance the flavor profile of a bourbon or whiskey. Meaning after being first aged in an American oak barrels, it’s transferred to a barrel that once held sherry—a fortified wine originally from Spain—for additional aging.

This finishing stage usually lasts a few months. During this time, the bourbon absorbs flavor from the sherry-soaked wood, adding dried fruits, dark cherry, toasted almonds and dark chocolate. Definitely leading the sweeter forward notes you get at your first few sips.

Penelope X may not be my go-to for bold spice, but it’s a well-crafted pour that showcases the creativity of experimental bourbon. The coffee and oak notes hit deep, and the sherry cask finish rounds it out beautifully. It’s another reminder that bourbon is a journey—and sometimes, the best way to explore is by trusting a great store pick and seeing where it takes you.