AI AND I REVIEW™ –Whiskey: Penelope Cigar Sessions – Chapter 01 (American Whiskey)

🥃 SUMMARY

Penelope Bourbon, crafted at the historic Ross & Squibb Distillery in Indiana, has quickly become a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts since its founding in 2018. Their Cigar Sessions – Chapter 01 American Whiskey is a 101 proof bourbon finished with French oak staves, specifically designed to pair with a cigar. As the first release in the new Cigar Sessions collection, it carries instant collectible appeal.

📣 WHAT SAY YOU, PENELOPE?

The Perfect Pairing
Introducing the first release in the new Cigar Sessions series — crafted to elevate the cigar experience, one pour at a time. Chapter 1 is a masterful blend of Straight Bourbon, American Single Malt, and American Light Whiskey, aged six years and bottled at 101 proof. Developed in collaboration with master cigar blenders, this rich and balanced expression was designed to complement medium-bodied cigars with depth, complexity, and harmony.
Small batch. Limited release.

🏷️ WHAT’S ON THE LABEL

Penelope Cigar Sessions: Chapter 1 brings together master cigar and whiskey blenders, uniting their crafts to create the ultimate pairing for medium-bodied cigars. This blend of Straight Bourbon, 100% American Single Malt, and American Light Whiskey elevates the cigar experience with its rich, balanced character. Experience innovation and passion in every sip.
NON-CHILL-FILTERED | 750ML

📖 HISTORY / LEGEND

This release represents Penelope Bourbon’s bold move into the cigar world. Partnering with cigar experts Cynn Coburn (Dissident Cigars) and Lee Marsh (Stolen Throne Cigars), they created a whiskey intentionally crafted to pair with a medium-bodied cigar. The collaboration showcases Penelope’s willingness to innovate and push American whiskey in new directions.

👀 VISUAL

Color: Deep copper bourbon that shines in the glass.
Legs / Viscosity: Moderate legs, slowly dripping — a sign of good body.

👃 AROMA

On the nose, this whiskey opens with milk chocolate, vanilla, and candied apple, followed by oak and dried fruit. It’s the kind of nose that makes you want to pour neat and enjoy it slowly alongside a cigar.

👅 TASTING NOTES

Forward Notes: A sweet, approachable entry with chocolate and candied fruit.
Body: Layers of dried peach, warm tobacco, caramel, and gentle spice build complexity.
Finish: Toffee, dark fruit, and light oak linger; smooth, with a medium-length finish.

(Other reviewers highlight sugar cookie, nutmeg, graham cracker, and prune — confirming this whiskey’s layered character.)

📊 FACTS

Type & Proof: American Whiskey, 101 proof (50.5% ABV), non–chill-filtered
Process: Straight bourbon finished with medium-tannin French oak staves
Age / Barrel Char: 6 years
Mash Bill: 72% Corn, 15% Rye, 13% Malted Barley

🏆 COLLECTIBILITY & AWARDS

Availability: Limited release – approx. 7,500 cases (45,000 bottles)
Awards: None yet, but its status as Chapter 01 makes it highly collectible among Penelope Bourbon fans.

💰 RETAIL INFORMATION

MSRP: $79.99 (750 ml)
Market Range: $80–117
Price Value Score (PVS): 6.5 / 10 (Good value; much of the price rests in story & collectibility)

The Price Value Score rates how well a bottle’s quality, flavor, and story match its retail price.

1–3 → Overpriced (hype > quality)
4–6 → Fair Value (you get what you pay for)
7–8 → Strong Value (quality exceeds price)
9–10 → Exceptional Value (rare finds, elite bottles at a great price)

Future Price Value (FPV): +12% (Expected appreciation to $90–100+ in the next 3–5 years)
Future Price Value (FPV)

The Future Price Value estimates how much a bottle’s price is likely to hold or appreciate over the next 3–5 years, based on rarity, demand, and collectibility.

0–5% → Flat (steady, no major change)
5–15% → Modest appreciation (steady collector interest)
15–30% → High appreciation (buzz, awards, hype bottles)
30%+ → Explosive growth (cult status, rare allocations)

🤖 AI AND I SUMMARY REVIEW

AI Score: 88/100 (Very Good – balanced, creative, with a finish lighter than expected for the price)

The AI Score uses the traditional 100-point rating system (common in whiskey and wine reviews) to evaluate overall quality.

95–100 → Extraordinary (world-class, collectible)
90–94 → Outstanding (complex, highly recommended)
85–89 → Very Good (balanced, enjoyable, above average)
80–84 → Good (solid, approachable, worth a pour)
Below 80 → Fair or lower (rarely used)

AI Food Pairing: Smoked brisket or mole-glazed ribs.

AI Food Pairing

The AI Food Pairing matches the whiskey’s aroma, flavor notes, and finish with a complementary dish.

Sweet, fruity, or caramel notes → pair with smoked or roasted meats.
Spicy or bold whiskeys → pair with BBQ, chili, or rich proteins.
Lighter, delicate whiskeys → pair with seafood or poultry.

The goal is to enhance both the spirit and the meal, creating balance on the palate.

AI Spice Pairing: Bold chipotle rub (echoes cinnamon & tobacco notes).
AI Sea Salt Pairing: __________ (highlight one of your premium sea salts)
AI Hot Sauce Pairing: __________ (plug your hot sauce brand here)
AI Dry Rub Pairing: __________ (cross-promote your dry rubs)
AI Sea Salt Blend Pairing: __________ (add a blend that enhances smoky meats)
Recommended Pour Style: Neat in a Glencairn, rested 5–10 minutes.

🍴 HOW TO COOK THE PAIRING

Main Protein: Smoked Brisket (or Mole-Glazed Ribs)

On the BBQ Grill:
- Season generously with your dry rub or sea salt blend.
- Cook low and slow at 225°F using indirect heat and wood chips (oak or hickory).
- Wrap in butcher paper or foil halfway through to lock in juices.
On the Stovetop:
- Sear the brisket/ribs in a cast iron skillet until browned.
- Deglaze with a splash of stock or sauce.
- Simmer covered on low heat until tender, basting occasionally.
In the Oven:
- Preheat to 275°F. Place the brisket/ribs in a roasting pan with a rack.
- Cover with foil and cook 3–4 hours (brisket) or 2–3 hours (ribs), until fork-tender.
- Finish uncovered for the last 30 minutes to develop a crust.

👉 The key: low and slow cooking + bold seasoning brings out flavors that echo Penelope’s chocolate, tobacco, and caramel notes.

Recommended Pour Style

The Recommended Pour Style highlights the best way to enjoy the spirit — neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail — and the ideal glassware to use.

Neat → Best for higher-proof or complex whiskeys. Recommended glass: Glencairn (captures aroma and directs it to the nose).
On the Rocks → Great for bold bourbons or whiskeys. Recommended glass: Rocks Glass / Old Fashioned Glass (room for ice, steady grip).
Cocktail → Perfect for mixable pours. Recommended glass: Coupe, Highball, or Rocks Glass, depending on the drink.

The goal is to maximize aroma, flavor, and experience with the right pour and the right glass.

Best Occasion: A cigar night, post-dinner, or quiet reflective evening.

🎭 AI PERSONALITY SEGMENT

“What would Hemingway say?”

“A pour as rugged as the man himself — where chocolate and tobacco share the firelight. Sip, smoke, repeat.”

✅ FINAL VERDICT

The Penelope Cigar Sessions – Chapter 01 American Whiskey is not just a bottle; it’s an experience. It was made for cigar lovers and collectors who want something distinctive. With its French oak stave finish and 101 proof balance, this whiskey finds its niche and holds its ground.

📦 TIME CAPSULE CLOSING

“This bottle earns its place in the Pelican Time Capsule — Chapter 01 of a whiskey designed for cigar nights, preserved for the next generation of bourbon enthusiasts.”

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