Penelope Cooper Series Havana Rum-Finished Bourbon Whiskey

Penelope Cooper Series “Havana” Rum-Finished Bourbon Whiskeyis a bold, inventive release that captures the warmth and sweetness of Caribbean rum barrels layered onto Penelope’s signature four-grain bourbon. Part of the brand’s globe-inspired Cooper Series, Havana adds a distinctive tropical dimension—combining rum cask richness with an unusual maple syrup barrel finish. The result is a decadent, dessert-like bourbon filled with notes of molasses, caramel, banana bread, and maple sweetness, making it one of the most distinctive and conversation-worthy finishes in the modern bourbon category.

One bottle per order, please.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Penelope Bourbon’s Cooper Series explores how unique finishing barrels from around the world can reshape American whiskey. Each release highlights a specific region or flavor inspiration, with Havana drawing influence from the tropical character and nightlife of the Caribbean.

The whiskey begins with Penelope’s signature four-grain straight bourbon, produced from a mash bill of:

• 74% corn
• 16% wheat
• 7% rye
• 3% malted barley

The base bourbon is first aged for approximately four years in new American oak barrels.

What sets the Havana expression apart is its innovative double-finish maturation:

1. The bourbon is finished for about 12 months in Caribbean rum barrels, which contribute molasses sweetness and tropical character.
2. It then undergoes a final one-month finish in maple syrup barrels, adding richness and dessert-like sweetness that integrates with the rum influence.

This unique cask sequence produces a bourbon that is both sweet and layered, with tropical rum tones balanced by maple syrup depth.

The whiskey is non-chill filtered and bottled at 93 proof (46.5% ABV), preserving its full flavor and mouthfeel. 

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Molasses, banana bread, maple syrup, honey, and brown sugar with hints of tropical fruit.

Palate:
Caramel corn, candied pecans, brown sugar, maple sweetness, and soft oak spice.

Finish:
Lingering vanilla, brown sugar, maple syrup, and subtle tobacco-like spice.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Havana Old Fashioned

Ingredients

• 2 oz Penelope Havana Bourbon
• ¼ oz maple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange peel

Preparation
Stir bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters with ice until chilled. Strain over a large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel.

Caribbean Bourbon Highball

Ingredients

• 2 oz Penelope Havana Bourbon
• 3 oz ginger beer
• ¼ oz fresh lime juice

Preparation
Build in a highball glass over ice. Add bourbon and lime juice, top with ginger beer, and stir gently.