NEW BOTTLE HIGHLIGHT SERIES: Penelope Rio – Virginia ABC Barrel Pick Finished Only in Honey Barrels: The Power of Barrels

I picked up a bottle of this Virginia ABC barrel pick Penelope Rio during furlough in October when large parts of the legislative and executive branches were content not doing their jobs. I only very recently picked up a bottle of the newest (2026) batch of the regular Rio finished in honey barrels and then briefly in new Amburana barrels.

This barrel pick is finished only in honey barrels and not Amburana and it has totally different aroma and flavor profiles than the regular Rio, clearly demonstrating how much influence the wood aging and finishing processes have on shaping the final spirit.

Bottled at 102.2 proof (51.1% ABV), higher than the regular Rio’s 98 proof (49% ABV), this Rio barrel pick is even more viscous with a fabulous creamy mouthfeel and a viscous-smelling nose.

The aroma profile and palate are dominated by a mix of heavy raw honey and honeycomb reminiscent of natural honey throat lozenges or candies – absent is the eclectic marriage of raw honey, honeycomb, Greek baklava drenched in honey and walnuts, and candied oranges and orange peel with crystallized sugar (Cinnabon in a glass). There are some herbal and light floral/honeysuckle notes and subtle baking spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom).

The flavor profile, too, is not as eclectic as that of the regular Rio. There are stronger baking spices, honey-drizzled roasted corn, some oak/barrel notes, orange peel, and a finish dominated by viscous-tasting raw honey and punchy black pepper. Absent is the earthy funkiness I get from the regular Rio which helps balance out the sweetness.

I look forward to spending more time comparing and contrasting this Rio barrel pick with my bottle of the new batch of the regular Rio.