Penelope Cask Strength 18 Year American Light Whiskey

Penelope 18 Year American Light Whiskey is a striking new ultra-aged release that pushes the boundaries of the light whiskey category. Bottled at a powerful cask-strength around 140 proof, it delivers remarkable richness—layers of honeycomb, vanilla cream, caramelized sugar, and oak—while maintaining a surprisingly smooth and dessert-like profile. Rare and highly collectible, it represents one of the oldest and most intense expressions yet in Penelope’s acclaimed American Light Whiskey series.

Origins & Craftsmanship
Penelope Bourbon has built a reputation for innovative and collectible American whiskey releases, and its American Light Whiskey series highlights rare long-aged barrels sourced from the historic Seagram’s distillery site in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, now the Ross & Squibb Distillery.

The whiskey itself was originally distilled at extremely high proof—around 189 proof, a defining characteristic of the American Light Whiskey style that emerged in the 1960s. This category produces a lighter distillate that can age for extended periods without becoming overly tannic.

For the 18-year release, the spirit is aged for nearly two decades in second-fill oak barrels, allowing slow maturation that emphasizes sweetness and complexity rather than aggressive wood extraction.

The mash bill consists primarily of 99% corn and 1% malted barley, creating a corn-forward whiskey with creamy sweetness and soft grain character.

Bottled at approximately 140 proof (about 70% ABV) and typically non-chill filtered, the whiskey retains its full body and intensity.  The result is a rare example of long-aged American Light Whiskey that showcases how this style can develop extraordinary complexity over time.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Aromas of butterscotch, honeycomb, cake batter, and vanilla cream, with hints of toasted oak and confectionery sweetness.

Palate:
Rich and creamy with brown sugar, vanilla ice cream, caramel, and light cinnamon spice, supported by subtle orchard fruit and sweet corn notes.

Finish:
Long and warming with lingering butter, leather, confectioners’ sugar, and soft oak complexity.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Given its rarity and strength, this whiskey is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water, though it can elevate spirit-forward cocktails.

Cask Strength Old Fashioned

• 1½ oz Penelope 18 Year Light Whiskey

• ¼ oz demerara syrup

• 2 dashes aromatic bitters

Stir with ice and strain over a large cube.

Light Whiskey Manhattan

• 2 oz Penelope 18 Year Light Whiskey

• ¾ oz sweet vermouth

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe.