Penelope 17yr American Light Whiskey

Penelope’s 17 Year American Light Whiskey marks a milestone in the brand’s ongoing exploration of this re‑emerging category. Originally distilled in 2006 at the historic Seagram’s site (now Ross & Squibb Distillery in Indiana), this whiskey spent a remarkable 17 years quietly maturing in second‑fill oak barrels before being bottled at a robust cask strength of 138.8 proof (69.4% ABV). This places it right at the threshold of what’s affectionately known as “hazmat” whiskey, offering a potent sensory punch without losing drinkability.

Despite its strength, the whiskey is surprisingly smooth and approachable on the palate. The nose opens with nostalgic sweetness, think butterscotch, cake batter, cotton candy, before giving way to a more layered aromatic profile featuring vanilla wafer, caramel, and toasted oak. On the tasting front, expect indulgent richness: creamy brown sugar, vanilla bean ice cream and orchard fruit waft in before cinnamon frosting, toffee and crème brûlée emerge. The finish lingers with light butter, waffle cone, confectioners sugar and a gentle savory spice overlay.

This expression represents the evolution of Penelope’s light whiskey releases, building on previous 13‑ and 15‑year editions with heightened maturity and equilibrium. By amplifying both sweetness and savory contrasts while dialing up the proof, it achieves a refined complexity rarely seen in this category. Reviews consistently praise how it walks a delicate balance between indulgent flavors and structured balance.

Penelope sources the distillate from MGP, and its 99% corn mash bill sets an unmistakable, silky-sweet foundation, with just 1% malted barley adding subtle texture. Under U.S. TTB regulations for American Light Whiskey, high‑proof distillation and uncharred (or reused) cooperage give it a lighter body than bourbon, yet this bottle showcases an unexpected maturity and mouth‑coating richness. 

Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey lover seeking something unexpectedly refined or a collector drawn to ultra‑aged, high‑proof bottlings, Penelope’s 17 Year American Light Whiskey delivers. This bold, sweet‑spiced, and long‑finishing expression redefines what “light” whiskey can be, and underscores Penelope’s place at the forefront of this emerging category.