Experience a radiant burst of flavor with Penelope Valencia Bourbon Private Select 'Valen-C', a truly unique and captivating single barrel selection exclusively curated by Nestor Liquor. As an added distinction, this exceptional 'Valen-C' bourbon comes bundled with a bottle of classic Yellowstone Bourbon Select.
The 'Valen-C' itself is crafted from Penelope's signature four-grain mash bill and finished for 1 year in rare Vino De Naranja casks from Spain, offering a delightful twist on traditional bourbon. It's bottled at a perfectly balanced 108 proof (54% ABV) and presented non-chill filtered for maximum character and flavor.
This Nestor Liquor pick is a journey for the senses, offering a bright and complex profile that is both intriguing and immensely sippable, now perfectly complemented by the timeless quality of Yellowstone Select.
Brand History: Innovation and Craft in Every Bottle (Penelope Bourbon)
Penelope Bourbon was founded in 2018 by Mike and Kerry Paladini, named in honor of their daughter. The brand quickly gained recognition for its approachable yet complex four-grain straight bourbon whiskey, as well as its innovative cask finishing program. Penelope is known for sourcing high-quality whiskies (their signature four-grain mash bill being 75% Corn, 15% Wheat, 7% Rye, 3% Malted Barley) and then exploring unique maturation and finishing techniques to create distinctive flavor profiles.
Their "Valencia" expression, which utilizes Vino De Naranja (Orange Wine) casks from Spain for finishing, is a testament to this creative approach. The one-year finishing period for this series allows for a significant impartation of the wine cask's character. This particular 'Valen-C' bottling, being a Private Select chosen by Nestor Liquor, represents a hand-picked expression of this already unique offering. For more on Yellowstone's heritage, renowned for its own rich history in American whiskey, resources like spirits review sites and the Limestone Branch Distillery website (producers of Yellowstone) can offer great insights.
Tasting Notes: A Zesty and Rich Bourbon Experience (Penelope Valencia 'Valen-C')
With its four-grain mash bill providing a smooth foundation, and a full year spent in Vino De Naranja casks, the Penelope Valencia 'Valen-C' at 108 proof typically offers:
Nose: An inviting and aromatic bouquet. Expect traditional bourbon notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak from the initial aging, beautifully intertwined with bright citrus zest (candied orange, tangerine, perhaps a hint of grapefruit), hints of apricot, and a subtle floral or herbaceous undertone from the Spanish wine casks. The extended finish may also introduce a deeper syrupy sweetness and integrated spice.
Palate: A medium to full-bodied palate with a delightful interplay of sweet, spicy, and citrusy notes. The bourbon's core flavors of vanilla, honey, and baking spices (cinnamon from the rye, soft sweetness from the wheat) are complemented by a vibrant wave of orange marmalade, sweet Valencia orange, and perhaps a touch of bitter orange peel or white grape. The 108 proof provides a pleasant warmth and carries the flavors effectively. Being non-chill filtered, it should possess a rich, satisfying texture.
Finish: A smooth and lingering finish where the citrus notes from the year-long finish gently fade into warmer bourbon characteristics. Expect residual sweetness, a touch of oak spice, and a pleasant, lingering orange zest and perhaps a subtle wine tannin that keeps you coming back for another sip.
