Agave Spirits+ Journey

Project X is a special barrel select program by Penelope.  Over the past month, Virginia ABC has released in batches four separate Project X barrel picks: one finished in an Oloroso sherry cask, one finished in a Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry cask, one in a VSOP cognac cask, and the last a double cask finish in cognac and Oloroso sherry.  The Oloroso and PX sherry casks (250 liters) were sourced from Bodega Jose y Miguel Martin in Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz province, Spain, and aged sherry for at least a decade.  The Oloroso barrel pick under review is barrel #2096-2 and is bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV) with an unspecified percentage of Penelope’s usual 4-grain mash bill (corn, wheat, malted barley, & rye) and no age statement, though it’s likely at least four years old like other Penelope releases.  The finishing time is also unspecified.

The tasting notes below are based on multiple spaced-out notes-taking sessions using Glencairn and Denver & Liely Bourbon glasses.

COLOR: Amber Brown (very dark)

NOSE: Lovely aroma profile that’s much more subtle than that of the PX Sherry Cask release – Dried fruits (cherries, raisins, prunes, dates, figs), baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice), oak/barrel notes, vanilla, roasted nuts, & dried orange peel.

PALATE:  Dried & fresh fruits (the same as on the nose + apricots, red currants), roasted coffee, caramel & toasted brown sugar, roasted nuts, baking spices & black pepper, dark chocolate, & a hint of oak tannins on the finish.  These flavors combine very well – the cask finishing is prominent but marries very well with the bourbon.

FINISH: Great (10-13 seconds)

MOUTHFEEL: Excellent – Very viscous & creamy

VALUE:  Superb barrel pick/cask-finished bourbon

ALWAYS ON SHELF/BUY AGAIN?  Barrel pick, but I picked up a bunch of bottles – I like it that much. 

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