Penelope Bourbon releases rare American Light Whiskey

Special release of 17-year expression highlights both heritage and innovation

ST. LOUIS (Jan. 15, 2025) – 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.

In contrast to higher proof bourbons which can be bold and intense, Penelope American Light Whiskey is an approachable and refined expression. Due to the unique production methods and limited number of bottles available, it’s a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts.

“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.”

Penelope American Light Whiskey is crafted from a mash bill of 99% corn and 1% malted barley. With sweet and smooth aromas of butterscotch, cake batter and cotton candy, Penelope American Light Whiskey imparts flavors of brown sugar, vanilla bean ice cream and light orchard fruits. The lingering finish features notes of light butter, waffle cone and powdered sugar.

“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.”

Penelope American Light Whiskey is part of Penelope’s annual Limited Releases – exclusive offerings featuring some of the rarest and more unique barrels, representing the pinnacle of blending innovation and barrel selection. Other Limited Releases include F*ck Cancer and award-winning Toasted Rye. A product locator for the Penelope family of bourbons can be found here.

ABOUT PENELOPE BOURBON

Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has become one of the country’s fastest-growing whiskey brands. Named after founder Michael Paladini’s daughter, Penelope Bourbon offers a range of uniquely blended and finished straight bourbon and rye whiskey expressions, known for their smoothness and rich flavor, perfect for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails.

Penelope’s core expressions, including Four Grain, Barrel Strength, Architect, and Toasted Bourbon, have won more than 40 awards across the spirits industry. In 2024 alone, Penelope won Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Barrel Strength and Toasted Rye, alongside innovation awards for limited releases such as Rio.

Penelope Bourbon continues to innovate within its Cooper Series, Limited Releases, and Estate Collection, further establishing its place among the top premium whiskey brands. Today, Penelope is available in 49 states and seven countries, proving that with passion, dedication, and love, anything is possible.

For more information, visit penelopebourbon.com or follow us on social media @penelopebourbon (Instagram/Facebook).

Towards the end of 2024 the ecommerce team visited the Isle of Mull to explore the Tobermory Distillery.  A stunning journey only topped by the fantastic array of drams from Tobermory and Ledaig.

As the distillery pre-dates the Tobermory village on its doorstep, the sense of craft, history, island life can be savoured in the disparate flavours of both Ledaig and Tobermory.

EXPLORE THE TOBERMORY RANGE >

Tobermory: The Colour of Whisky

Established in 1798, Tobermory distillery is situated in the heart of the Hebridean capital of the Isle of Mull, with an enviable location overlooking the famous colourful houses adorning the harbour. As well as their original single malt whisky, they produce a range of botanical gins and a heavily peated expression, Ledaig, which has become something of a W Club cult favourite.

The Whisky Shop E-Commerce team made the journey to Mull from Glasgow (train-ferry-car), to meet with Visitor Manager, Diana, and the newly posted Distillery Manager, Scott, for a journey through Tobermory and Ledaig.

EXPLORE MORE ❯

Free Next Day Delivery for 12 Months For just £14.95 you can enjoy free next day delivery on all your orders for a whole year! Geographic restrictions apply, see full T&Cs. Find out more ❯

We’re celebrating the addition of a new distillery to the Society today with Cask No. 161.1: The caped cake wrestler. This six-year-old Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits whisky hails from a relatively new Scottish distillery on the remote Morvern peninsula.

Into the ring leapt prunes, raisins and black cherries, enthusiastically sipping armagnac in preparation for a face-off against the big ginger cake. Bouncing between ropes made of liquorice shoelaces, and emboldened by strong breakfast tea, they were ready to take on the world. After a splash of water, they dusted themselves with cocoa powder, and fuelled up with butterscotch and cinder toffee. From the crowd came wondrous aromas of rich sherry, mingling with cured Spanish ham and tobacco. Finally the bell, which was made from a hollowed-out honeydew melon, rang to signal the start of round one. The prunes stepped forward, ready to meet the ginger cake, and its teammates – juicy fruit chewing gum and tutti frutti ice cream. Tagtastic.

VIEW THE BOTTLE

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 10 Year Old “My Dusty Road” K&L Exclusive Private Barrel #6604814 Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml ships as a 1.5L) $69.99 View

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 8 Year Old “Wedge And Wiggle” K&L Exclusive Private Barrel #7265238 Kentucky Straight Bourbon (750ml ships as a 1.5L) $69.99 View

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Ardnamurchan & Adelphi Masterclass with Graeme Mackay

The Adelphi name was originally associated with a distillery but that disappeared into the whisky loch of the early 1900s. The last owner’s great-grandson restored the brand in 1993 but this time as an indie bottler. Working closely with industry giant Charlie Maclean, the Adelphi bottlings have become whisky icons. More recently the team have expanded into production with the founding of the sustainability focused Ardnamurchan distillery in 2014.

Join us on 30 January at our Great Portland Street store for a masterclass exploring both Ardnamurchan’s whisky and Adelphi’s bottlings hosted by Graeme Mackay.

Book now 

Jim Beam and Keegan-Michael Key Team Up to Launch

“7 Stages of Defeat,” a Collaboration to Turn Football Heartbreak into a Reason to Celebrate
Inspired by the Seven-Year Aging Process of Jim Beam Black, This Limited-Edition Care Package Will Help Fans Accept Their Team’s Season End

CLERMONT, Ky., January 15, 2025 – This football season, Jim Beam – the world’s number one bourbon – is reminding fans that no matter the fumble, the missed catch, or the questionable referee call, there’s always a reason to gather, laugh, and toast to next year’s season.

In partnership with acclaimed actor, writer, producer and football enthusiast Keegan-Michael Key, Jim Beam introduces the “7 Stages of Defeat” care package – a lighthearted guide for the 98% of football fans who won’t get the winning season they dreamed of. Inspired by Jim Beam Black’s unique seven-year aging process, the kit was designed to remind fans that great things can come from time and patience—even if this season doesn’t go your way.

While this time of year often spotlights the victorious few, Jim Beam saw a chance to support the many fans facing disappointment. Whether you’re processing a season-ending loss or rallying with friends after a last-minute upset, the care package helps turn tough moments into reasons to gather, share a laugh, and enjoy a Jim Beam Black cocktail together. Because sometimes, it’s the people—and the moments you share—that matter most.

“As fans, we’ve all been there – the ups and downs, the yelling at the refs on TV who clearly can’t hear you, and the utter disbelief when the “winning field goal” hits the goalpost and doinks the wrong way…” said Keegan-Michael Key. “That’s why I teamed up with Jim Beam to help football fans laugh their way through all of the stages of defeat; from denial to acceptance – and maybe even a little hope for next season. We’ve got you covered.”

To keep the spirit alive, Jim Beam will give consumers a chance to win a care package on a first-come, first-served basis post key playoff moments. A limited quantity of packages will be available through a sweepstakes on jimbeam.com/7stages to fans 21+ on the following dates at 12pm ET / 9 am PT:

● Monday, January 20
● Monday, January 27
● Monday, February 10

Jim Beam also teamed up with iconic cultural sportswear brand, Mitchell & Ness to create 100 custom limited-edition jerseys that will be gifted to talent, influencers, and media to further amplify the program.

“Football season is about bringing people together even when your team doesn’t come out on top,” said Regan E. Clarke, vice president, U.S. Brands – American Whiskey. “With a little bourbon, some good laughs, and great company, even the toughest losses become easier to handle. At Jim Beam, we believe people are good for you – no matter the score.”

Fans can also follow @jimbeamofficial on Instagram as Keegan-Michael Key hilariously brings the 7 stages of defeat to life through comedic skits that capture relatable rants to bittersweet acceptance. Key reminds audiences that loving a team – win or lose – is always worth raising a glass to.

Jim Beam will roll out a comprehensive, integrated media campaign spanning TV, streaming, digital, social media and eCommerce to help reach and engage passionate fans nationwide.

Visit Jimbeam.com to learn more about the “7 Stages of Defeat” care package and join the celebration of football, bourbon, and the connections that bring us all together.

About Jim Beam®: Jim Beam is the world’s best-selling bourbon, crafted by eight generations of family distillers since 1795. Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh-generation Master Distiller, and Freddie Noe, Jim Beam’s eighth-generation Master Distiller, have stayed true to the family recipe that’s been passed down through generations. The Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black®, Jim Beam Double Oak, Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, Jim Beam Flavors, and Jim Beam Rye among other offerings. For more information, go to www.jimbeam.com, @jimbeamofficial on Instagram and @jimbeam on Twitter.

About Suntory Global Spirits: As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

58.9%Vol

Linkwood 33 Year Old 1990 Gordon & MacPhail Upper Connoisseurs Choice #6965

£812.50

Gordon & Macphail | 49.1% abv | 70cl | 1st Fill Sherry

A stunning release from Speyside distillery Linkwood, and part of renowned independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail’s Connoisseurs Choice series. Distilled back in 1990 and aged for over three decades in a first-fill sherry cask, it’s a bold, mouthwatering expression bursting with dark fruit, tobacco and liquorice notes. Just 379 bottles have been released at a natural cask strength of 49.1%, without chill-filtration or added colouring.

The Lost Distillery Jericho Archivist

A massive favourite of Inverurie Whisky Shop staff and customers, this engaging sherry monster contains whiskies aged between 15 and 18 years old, produced in a batch of just 1500 bottles and bottled at 53% ABV.

Lost Distilleries have recreated this whisky to represent the whisky produced at Jericho Distillery in Aberdeenshire.  A farm distillery for its entire existence, Jericho produced whisky made entirely from the local produce and were pioneers in the sherry cask maturation.

£75.00

Tasting Notes:

 Nose: Intense sherry with prunes, raisins and ripe summer fruits
Palate: Aged fruit cake, spice, vanilla and figs. Rich and powerful

The Good Dram Show – Episode 580 ‘Gleann Mor’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at a selection of releases from the Independent bottling company Gleann Mor. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 580 – Today’s Gonna Be A Happy Bunny Day..!

Featuring

Gleann Mor ‘A Rare Find’ Aberfeldy 2011 (13 year old) 56.8%
Gleann Mor ‘Rare Find’ Cooley 2002 (19 year old) 53.8%
Gleann Mor ‘A Rare Find’ Deanston 2006 (18 year old) 54.3%
Gleann Mor ‘A Rare Find’ Glenglassaugh 2014 (10 year old) 54.2%
Gleann Mor ‘A Rare Find’ Isle of Jura 1989 (35 year old) 47.7%
Gleann Mor ‘A Rare Find’ Islay (Medium Peated) 2013 (11 year old) 55.8%

https://gmspirits.com