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 PX barrel pick under review is barrel #2228-2 and is bottled at 112 proof (56% 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: Dark Bronze/Copper (or “Cognac”)

NOSE: Gorgeous aromas – Dark fruits (cherries, red & black currants, barberries, cranberries) & dried fruits (the same + raisins, prunes, figs), dark fruit jams (blackberry, fig, & mixed berries), citrus, baking spices (cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, star anise) & black pepper, & hints of oak.

The fruits are up front & punchy, unlike in the Project X Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon where the fruits, while still prominent & constant, roll out more subtly & gradually across the palate.

PALATE:  All the fruits from the aroma profile (fresh & dried) + the fruit jams, the same baking & other spices, more prominent oak notes, citrus peel rather than juice, dark vanilla, roasted nuts, & some creamy caramel – It’s fruit-forward without the PX Sherry masking the bourbon.  Nice spice balances out the fruity sweetness.

FINISH: Superb (13-14 seconds)

MOUTHFEEL: Superb viscosity on the glass & incredibly viscous/creamy on the palate

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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