Penelope Bourbon Launches Classic Series, Introducing Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye

Penelope Bourbon (NASDAQ:MGPI) launched its Classic Series, introducing Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey aimed at everyday occasions.

Rhea-AI Summary

Penelope Bourbon (NASDAQ:MGPI) launched its Classic Series, introducing Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey aimed at everyday occasions. Both are bottled at 92 proof, feature distinct mashbills, and will debut in select markets with SRPs of $44.99 and $34.99, respectively.

Market Context

This announcement extends MGPI’s Penelope portfolio with the Classic Series, adding Kentucky Straigh...

Analysis

This announcement extends MGPI’s Penelope portfolio with the Classic Series, adding Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye at 92 proof and SRPs of $44.99 and $34.99. It follows several recent brand launches and partnerships, while Q1 2026 results featured a GAAP net loss of $134.8M on lower sales. Investors may watch how these everyday-positioned expressions contribute to volumes, pricing, and mix within an already diversified whiskey lineup.

Key Figures

Innovation period: 8 years Bourbon mashbill corn: 78% corn Bourbon mashbill rye: 10% rye +5 more

Innovation period

8 years

Penelope brand innovation track record mentioned in launch

Bourbon mashbill corn

78% corn

Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey mashbill composition

Bourbon mashbill rye

10% rye

Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey mashbill composition

Bourbon mashbill barley

12% barley malt

Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey mashbill composition

Rye mashbill rye

93% rye

Penelope Straight Rye Whiskey mashbill composition

Rye mashbill barley

7% malted barley

Penelope Straight Rye Whiskey mashbill composition

Bottling proof

92 proof

Both Classic Series expressions bottling strength

SRP bourbon

$44.99

Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey suggested retail price

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 28

5 events

1. May 28

   Product launch

   24h Move

   +1.0%

   Penelope expanded ready-to-pour lineup with Blackberry Old Fashioned cocktail.

2. May 19

   Limited release bourbon

   24h Move

   -1.7%

   Ultra-limited Remus Lou Gehrig Reserve bourbon honoring Lou Gehrig with donations.

3. May 13

   Limited collection launch

   24h Move

   -1.0%

   Penelope launched Architects of Golf limited-edition whiskey collection in three expressions.

4. Apr 29

   Earnings results

   24h Move

   -5.2%

   Q1 2026 sales declined with a GAAP net loss driven by large non-cash impairments.

5. Apr 22

   Partnership renewal

   24h Move

   +0.8%

   Yellowstone Bourbon renewed NPCA partnership with a $25,000 donation and ongoing campaigns.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, straight rye, mashbill, distillate, +1 more

5 terms

kentucky straight bourbon whiskey technical

"Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is carefully crafted with a mashbill..."

Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey is a legally defined type of American whiskey made in Kentucky from a grain mix that is at least 51% corn, distilled and aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years, with no added flavors or colors. For investors, it matters because the label signals consistent quality, regional heritage and regulatory protection that support premium pricing, brand strength and steady demand, similar to how a name and recipe protect a well-known food specialty.

straight rye technical

"Complementing the bourbon, Penelope Straight Rye features a refined..."

Straight rye is a type of distilled whiskey made from a mash containing at least 51% rye grain and matured for a minimum period in new charred oak barrels, with no added flavors or colors allowed on the label. For investors, the term signals legal quality standards and ageing requirements that affect production costs, inventory timing and brand positioning—similar to a recipe with strict ingredients and a required baking time that shapes price, margins and consumer demand.

mashbill technical

"crafted with a mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% barley malt..."

A mashbill is the specific recipe of grains used to make a distilled spirit, showing the proportions of ingredients like corn, rye, wheat and barley that are mashed and fermented. It matters to investors because the mashbill shapes a product’s flavor, production cost and supply needs—like a bakery’s flour mix determining taste and expense—so changes can affect brand appeal, margins and inventory planning.

distillate technical

"representing the first time Penelope has worked at scale with distillate from Kentucky."

A distillate is a liquid product obtained by heating a mixture and collecting the vapor that condenses, essentially the portion of a raw material that is separated out for use—common examples in energy markets include diesel, jet fuel and heating oil, while in chemicals it can mean a concentrated extract. Investors watch distillate volumes and prices because they signal how much usable product refineries or producers are supplying, which affects margins, inventories and commodity-driven revenue; think of it as skimming broth from a pot so you can sell the finished soup rather than the whole stew.

proof technical

"Both expressions are bottled at 92 proof and crafted to appeal..."

Proof is documented evidence or convincing data that supports a company’s claim—such as that a product works, a technology performs as promised, or a reported result is genuine. For investors it matters because proof reduces uncertainty and helps separate marketing from reality, much like a receipt or photo confirms a purchase; stronger, verifiable proof typically lowers risk and can increase confidence in a firm’s future prospects.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Built on eight years of innovation, Penelope's new portfolio is designed for everyday occasions

ST. LOUIS, June 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Penelope Bourbon announces the launch of its Classic Series and its new expressions: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey, two foundational whiskeys designed for everyday drinking occasions.

Over the past eight years, Penelope has built its reputation through experimentation, blending, and innovation, all with the goal of creating exceptional whiskey experiences that continually bring consumers something new to explore and enjoy. The Classic Series continues that journey, reflecting Penelope's belief that there is always more to discover in the world of bourbon and whiskey.

"Since the beginning, our mission has always been to deliver the best possible whiskey to the consumer with every product we release," said Michael Paladini, Founder and Vice President of Strategy at Penelope Bourbon. "We didn't always follow the traditional playbook, but we always prioritized quality above all else.  We've been talking about and working toward introducing Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey for a long time, but we wanted to make sure they were perfect before releasing them."

Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is carefully crafted with a mashbill of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% barley malt to deliver a versatile profile that is both approachable for everyday enjoyment and refined enough for whiskey aficionados. On the nose, it opens with aromatics of butterscotch, vanilla bean, candied orange, and toasted sugar. The palate is smooth and layered with notes of brown sugar, honeyed corn, cinnamon, and creamy mint, and finishes with warm and lingering sweetness of caramel and dark chocolate with warm spice. Notably, this release also marks a meaningful milestone for the brand, representing the first time Penelope has worked at scale with distillate from Kentucky.

Complementing the bourbon, Penelope Straight Rye features a refined, approachable spice profile with layered complexity. Distilled in Indiana with a mashbill of 93% rye and 7% malted barley, it opens with bright aromatics of spearmint and citrus zest, a body of rye spice and caramelized sugar, and a lingering, balanced finish, delivering character without overpowering the palate.

"These expressions have been in development for a while," said Danny Polise, Founder and Master Blender of Penelope Bourbon. "Using Kentucky distillate for the bourbon, like we've done in past blends, felt like a natural step as we worked to create something we genuinely liked. We kept dialing in the blends until they felt right, especially with the Straight Rye release."

Both expressions are bottled at 92 proof and crafted to appeal to a wide spectrum of drinkers, reflecting Penelope's commitment to quality, innovation, and modern craftsmanship. By leveraging its innovation-first approach, Penelope is demonstrating a new kind of credibility: one rooted in hands-on expertise, curiosity, and a willingness to push boundaries before refining tradition.

Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (SRP $44.99) and Penelope Straight Rye Whiskey (SRP $34.99) will be available in select markets starting this month, with nationwide availability to follow.

ABOUT PENELOPE BOURBON
Founded in 2018, Penelope Bourbon has become one of the fastest-growing, award-winning premium whiskey brands. We offer a range of uniquely blended and finished straight bourbon and whiskey expressions known for their smoothness and rich flavor, and premium handcrafted ready-to-serve cocktails. Our products have won many spirits industry awards including Best in Class finalist and a Double Gold medal for Toasted at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Wheated earned a Double Platinum medal and Peach Old Fashioned and Black Walnut Old Fashioned ready-to-pour cocktails earned Platinum medals at the 2025 ASCOT Awards. We continue to innovate within our Cooper Series, Limited Releases and Estate Collection to further establish our place among the top premium whiskey brands and prove that with passion, dedication, and love, anything is possible. For more information, visit PenelopeBourbon.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

ABOUT LUXCO
Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products with a mission to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Luxco has operated as MGP Ingredients Inc. (Nasdaq: MGPI) Branded Spirits division since its acquisition in 2021. The company's extensive and award-winning premium portfolio includes brands from four distilleries: Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Penelope and Remus bourbon are produced; Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Rebel, Ezra Brooks, and Blood Oath bourbons; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Bourbon; and Arandas, Mexico-based Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas including Cortada, El Mayor, Escasa and Exotico. For more information, visit Luxco.com.

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SOURCE Penelope Bourbon

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What is the Penelope Bourbon Classic Series launched in June 2026 by MGPI?

The Penelope Bourbon Classic Series is a new portfolio featuring Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye Whiskey. According to Penelope Bourbon, it builds on eight years of blending and innovation to create whiskeys for everyday occasions with refined, approachable flavor profiles.

What are the mashbills for Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye (MGPI)?

Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey uses a 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% barley malt mashbill. According to Penelope Bourbon, the Straight Rye is distilled in Indiana with 93% rye and 7% malted barley, emphasizing spice, layered complexity, and an approachable profile for diverse whiskey drinkers.

At what proof are Penelope’s new Classic Series whiskeys bottled and who are they targeting (MGPI)?

Both Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Straight Rye are bottled at 92 proof. According to Penelope Bourbon, the whiskeys are crafted to appeal to a wide spectrum of drinkers, from everyday consumers to aficionados, reflecting the brand’s focus on quality and modern craftsmanship.

When and where will Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Straight Rye be available for MGPI investors?

Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Straight Rye will be available in select markets starting June 2026. According to Penelope Bourbon, nationwide availability is planned to follow, giving the brand broader U.S. presence as the Classic Series rolls out across additional distribution channels.

What are the suggested retail prices of Penelope’s new Classic Series whiskeys (MGPI)?

Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has an SRP of $44.99 and Penelope Straight Rye Whiskey $34.99. According to Penelope Bourbon, these price points support positioning as high-quality yet accessible options for everyday consumption within the broader bourbon and rye whiskey market.

Why is the Kentucky distillate in Penelope Kentucky Straight Bourbon meaningful for MGPI?

The Kentucky Straight Bourbon marks Penelope’s first time working at scale with Kentucky distillate. According to Penelope Bourbon, this step reflects its ongoing experimentation and desire to refine blends while aligning the Classic Series with traditional Kentucky bourbon credentials and consumer expectations.