Today we’re pouring something a little outside the usual bourbon lane: Penelope American Light Whiskey 18 Year. If you’ve never had a light whiskey before, you’re not alone. It’s one of the least talked about categories in American whiskey, and this bottle makes a strong case that it deserves a lot more attention.
This one came in at a massive 140.2 proof with an MSRP of $100. That puts it officially in hazmat territory. And yet, it might be one of the most approachable high-proof pours I’ve had all year.
What Is Light Whiskey?
Before we get into the glass, a quick crash course. Light whiskey is its own legal category in the United States, and the rules are what make it different from bourbon.
Bourbon has to come off the still at no more than 160 proof and go into new charred oak barrels. Light whiskey is distilled to a higher proof, between 160 and 190, and it ages in used or uncharred new oak. The higher distillation proof strips out some of the heavier flavors, and the used barrels contribute oak more gently than fresh char would.
The result is a whiskey that relies on time and patience to build flavor. And at 18 years, this one has had plenty of both.
The Distillery and the Mashbill
The juice comes from Ross & Squibb Distillery, better known to most of us as MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. MGP is behind a huge share of the sourced whiskey on shelves today, and they’ve built a reputation for putting out quality stock.
The mashbill here is 99% corn and 1% malted barley. That’s about as corn-forward as it gets. There’s no rye or wheat in the mix, so any spice you pick up is coming from the barrel and the years it spent there.
What Makes It “Hazmat”?
You’ll hear the term “hazmat” thrown around a lot with high-proof bottles. It refers to any spirit over 140 proof, or 70% ABV. At that strength, airlines won’t let you carry it on a plane, even in checked luggage.
At 140.2 proof, Penelope 18 Year just clears that line. So if you’re planning to bring one home from a trip, plan on shipping it.
On the Nose
Here’s the first surprise. For a hazmat whiskey, you’re greeted with minimal burn. You’d expect your nose hairs to take a beating, but that’s not the case here.
Instead you get great aromas of stone fruit, cinnamon, and oak, with a hint of red fruit sitting underneath. It’s inviting, clean, and far more gentle than the proof would suggest.
On the Palate
There’s some heat that carries up through the nose on the sip, which is fair at this proof. But it’s balanced out quickly by vanilla, baking spices, and a dry oakiness.
The depth here is light in a good way. It’s not a heavy, syrupy pour, and it’s not trying to be. It’s refined and focused, with everything in its place. That’s exactly what you want from a light whiskey with 18 years behind it.
The Finish
Perfectly balanced. Cinnamon moves into oak and settles into a gentle sweetness that rounds out every sip.
The biggest surprise of all is how mellow this drinks for a hazmat whiskey. If you tasted it blind, you’d never guess it was north of 140 proof. That’s the mark of well-aged, well-selected barrels.
Pro tip: You don’t need water to enjoy this one, but a few drops can bring the stone fruit and red fruit notes further forward. Try it neat first, then experiment.
The Verdict
Penelope American Light Whiskey 18 Year is a standout. It takes an overlooked category, pairs it with serious age and serious proof, and somehow delivers a pour that’s smooth, balanced, and easy to love. If you’ve been skeptical of light whiskey or scared off by hazmat proofs, this is the bottle that could change your mind on both.
Score: 92/100.
For $100, an 18-year whiskey at this proof and this level of balance is a strong value. If you see it, don’t overthink it. Grab it.
Summary
- Distillery: Ross & Squibb Distillery (MGP)
- Mashbill: 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley
- Age: 18 Years
- Proof: 140.2
- Price: $100 (MSRP)
- Nose: Stone fruit, cinnamon, oak, a hint of red fruit
- Palate: Vanilla, baking spices, dry oak
- Finish: Balanced, with cinnamon moving into oak and gentle sweetness
- Score: 92/100
