Founded in 2018 by two childhood friends, Penelope Bourbon has rapidly gained recognition as one of the fastest-growing brands in the American whiskey scene. The brand notably sourced its whiskey primarily from Indiana’s MGP, rebranded as Ross & Squibb Distillery, and made a name for itself through grassroots expansion and innovative blends. By 2023, Penelope Bourbon became highly sought after, culminating in a significant acquisition by MGP for an estimated $215.8 million, which included both cash and incentives.

This acquisition has opened doors for growth, leveraging MGP’s resources while still maintaining the distinctive qualities that made Penelope popular. Despite an industry-wide contraction affecting many producers, Penelope has managed to carve out a niche as a leader in growth, moving beyond their initial mass-market affordable blends to embrace premium offerings.

In August 2025, Penelope announced its latest lineup, the Estate Collection, featuring five distinct premium expressions, each aged a minimum of 10 years and priced at around $80 and above. This collection marks an expansion of Penelope’s reach, including not just Indiana-distilled whiskey but also Kentucky bourbons sourced from other distilleries, as part of their integration into MGP’s subsidiary, Luxco.

Highlighted in the collection:

1. Penelope Founders Reserve 13 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: At $199.99 and promising a cask strength of 121.4 proof, this bourbon features a mash bill with 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, sourced from an undisclosed distillery, likely related to Heaven Hill.

2. Penelope Omega 11 Year Straight Bourbon Whiskey: This 11-year-aged bourbon costs $129.99 and is finished in rare Radoux Omega barrels, bottled at 109.8 proof. It shares a similar mash bill as the Founders Reserve.

3. Single Barrel 10 Year Bourbon: Priced at $89.99, this offering consists of two Indiana-distilled whiskeys, featuring different mash bills and limited releases of 3,900 and 7,200 bottles, respectively.

4. Penelope Private Select 10 Year Bourbon: The most budget-friendly option at $79.99, this blended bourbon boasts a mash bill of 74% corn, 20% rye, 1% wheat, and 5% malted barley, yielding over 40,000 bottles.

Penelope Bourbon’s expansion into the premium segment underscores its commitment to elevating its brand while attracting both bourbon enthusiasts and collectors alike.