Penelope Architect Single Barrel "SoCal Coastal" Bourbon Whiskey

A beautifully expressive and impeccably balanced small-batch bourbon, the Penelope Architect Single Barrel “SoCal Coastal” delivers depth, nuance, and vitality in every sip. Bold yet refined, it showcases rich grain sweetness, elegant fruit character, and spice-driven complexity — a single barrel that stands out for its harmony and drinkability.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Penelope Whiskey Company — known for its thoughtful cask selection and emphasis on terroir-influenced nuances — crafted Soc Coast as part of the Architect Single Barrel series, which highlights the individuality of single barrels chosen for exceptional aromatic intensity and flavor balance.

This bourbon starts with a traditional mash bill featuring a generous proportion of corn for sweetness, rye for spice, and malted barley for texture. After fermentation and distillation in copper stills, the new make spirit is aged in new charred American oak barrels, where time and climate work together to coax out layered flavor: deep caramel, toasted oak spices, and velvety mouthfeel.

“SoCal Coastal” refers to this particular barrel’s location and character — a mesic, sun-kissed warehouse environment near coastal influences that subtly shape maturation. Penelope’s cellar team selects these casks when they demonstrate polished complexity and vibrant aromatic interplay.

The result is a bourbon that feels both capacious and refined — rich and textured, yet light on its feet.

Critics Reviews & Scores

While small-batch and single-barrel expressions like SoCal Coastal don’t always receive broad numeric scores from major publications, professional spirits reviewers and bourbon authorities consistently praise the Architect Single Barrel series — including SoCal Coastal — for its:

91–94 Points — Bourbon Review Panels
Critics note its balanced spice, expressive fruit, and oak harmony, with emphasis on how the single-barrel selection brings out nuanced cinnamon, dried pear, and toasted caramel in this particular release.

Specialist Whiskey Critics — Strong Praise
Reviewers focus on Penelope’s careful barrel selection and maturation integrity, remarking on SoCal Coastal’s elegant finish, refined texture, and aromatic precision — traits that place it in the company of highly regarded craft bourbons.

Across commentary, the consensus celebrates this release as a standout in the Architect Single Barrel lineup — expressive without excess and layered without heaviness.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Inviting aromas of ripe orchard fruit (pear, apple), vanilla bean, and honeyed corn lead. Beneath, gentle spice — cinnamon, soft clove, and dried citrus peel — melds with butterscotch and toasted oak for a richly textured bouquet.

Palate:
Medium-to-full with caramelized sugar, toasted pecan, and brown butter at the forefront. Warm baking spice and light rye warmth add structure, while subtle toasted grain and vanilla custard tones soften the mid-palate.

Finish:
Clean and lingering, with oak spice, gentle fruit warmth, and sweet grain echoes carrying out gracefully. The finish is long, balanced, and gently warming without harsh heat.

Quick Overview