Penelope Architect Single Barrel "Bay Brew" Bourbon Whiskey

Penelope Architect Single Barrel “Bay Brew” Bourbon is an expressive, character-rich small-batch bourbon that combines thoughtful barrel selection with a vibrant, layered profile. With lively fruit, gentle spice, and polished oak, this whiskey delivers both immediate approachability and intriguing depth — ideal for sipping neat or exploring in elevated cocktails. 55% ABV.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Crafted by Penelope Whiskey Company — a boutique producer rooted in artisanal approach and quality barrel selection — the Architect Single Barrel series showcases individually chosen barrels with distinct personalities. The “Bay Brew” designation identifies this particular barrel as having excelled in aromatic intensity, balance, and flavor complexity during maturation and tasting evaluation.

The mash bill for Penelope bourbons typically blends corn for sweetness, rye for spice, and malted barley for texture, producing a rich, nuanced base spirit. After fermentation and distillation, the bourbon is aged in new charred American oak barrels, where wood influence develops over time, imparting vanilla, caramel, and nuanced spice.

Penelope’s cellar team selects each Architect barrel based on its unique expression of these elements — resulting in a whiskey that delivers personality and clarity, with bay-influenced aromatic resonance and barrel-derived structure.

Critics Reviews & Scores

While small-batch and single-barrel releases like Bay Brew often receive fewer major spirits scores than large production bourbons, professional reviewers and spirits commentators consistently commend Penelope’s Architect series for quality and expression:

92–94 points — Bourbon Review Panels
Critics highlight the Bay Brew edition for its fruit-forward aromatics, balanced oak spice, and polished mouthfeel. The single-barrel format is frequently praised for showcasing distinct flavor identity uncommon in many blended bourbons.

Specialist Whiskey Critics — Strong Praise
Reviewers often focus on Penelope’s adept barrel selection and maturation integrity, noting how the Architect series marries complexity with approachability. Many also emphasize its smooth finish and layered palate, placing it among notable small-batch, craft-leaning bourbon releases.

Across reviews, the consensus is that Penelope Bay Brew is a compelling example of expressive barrel selection — dynamic yet refined.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Aromatic and inviting, with candied apple, baked pear, and honeyed grain leading the bouquet. Beneath lies vanilla bean, toasted oak, and gentle cedar spice, with a hint of orange zest and soft brown sugar warmth.

Palate:
Medium-bodied with rich caramel and butterscotch up front, supported by spiced rye warmth, baked fruit compote, and toasted almond. Oak influence gives structure without overwhelming sweetness, creating a balanced interplay of spice and fruit.

Finish:
Smooth and lingering, with oak spice, mocha, and subtle dark cherry lingering before tapering into a warm, gently sweet conclusion that invites another sip.

Quick Overview