Penelope Bourbon makes a big splash in the cigar scene with Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 American Whiskey

Rhea-AI Summary

Penelope Bourbon introduces Cigar Sessions Chapter 1, a limited-edition whiskey specifically crafted to pair with medium-bodied cigars. The unique blend combines Straight Bourbon, American Single Malt, and American Light Whiskey, aged six years with a mash bill of 72% corn, 15% rye, and 13% malt. Created in collaboration with cigar experts Cynn Coburn and Lee Marsh, this 101 proof (50.5% ABV) whiskey features notes of milk chocolate, vanilla, and candied apple, with a finish of toffee, dark fruit, and light oak. Limited to 7,500 cases, it's available in select markets at $79.99 per 750mL bottle. This release marks the first in an annual series designed to explore various cigar pairings, representing Penelope's commitment to innovation in the spirits industry.

Positive

• Limited release of 7,500 cases creates scarcity and potential demand
• Strategic collaboration with renowned cigar experts enhances product credibility
• Premium pricing at $79.99 suggests healthy margins
• Part of an annual series indicating long-term product strategy

Negative

• Limited distribution in select markets may restrict revenue potential
• Niche market focus on cigar enthusiasts could limit broader market appeal

Limited-edition release crafted for the ultimate medium-bodied cigar pairing is the first in a series of releases to enhance the complexity and enjoyment of cigar occasions

ST. LOUIS, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Whiskey and cigars have always been savored together, but never quite like this – Penelope Bourbon elevates the timeless pairing of whiskey and cigars with the debut of Cigar Sessions Chapter 1. Always innovating, the Penelope team struck a match for cigar lovers by crafting the first-of-its-kind cigar pairing. The first release in the annual Cigar Sessions, Chapter 1 is crafted to complement medium-bodied cigars, with future Chapters designed to explore a range of cigar pairings.

The blend of unique American whiskeys featured in Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 – Straight Bourbon, 100% American Single Malt and American Light Whiskey – results in a one-of-a-kind rich and balanced profile developed specifically to enhance the enjoyment of medium-bodied cigar pairings. Made in small batches and aged six years with a mash bill of 72% corn, 15% rye and 13% malt, Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 is bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV). A limited allocation of 7,500 cases (6-in) is available in select markets starting this month for a minimum suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750mL bottle.

The unique new addition to Penelope's Limited Releases expressions was crafted in collaboration with renowned cigar blenders Cynn Coburn of Dissident Cigars and Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars. The Penelope blending team worked closely with Coburn and Marsh, drawing on their deep knowledge of cigars to craft a whiskey blend meticulously designed to complement and enhance the medium-bodied cigar experience.

"We wanted to create a truly authentic cigar blend – one that was created in partnership with a group of highly talented cigar master blenders," said Michael Paladini, Penelope Bourbon founder and vice president of strategy for MGP Ingredients. "We are excited to release Chapter 1 of our Cigar Sessions – the perfect complementary pour for medium-bodied cigars."

Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 opens with notes of milk chocolate, vanilla and candied apple on the nose; with chocolate, dried peach, tobacco and warm caramel on the palate. The finish imparts flavors of toffee, dark fruit and light oak.

"This is a very unique blend of American whiskeys that came together," said Danny Polise, Penelope Bourbon founder and master blender. "We explored 19 various mash bills with the cigar blender team trying countless blend combinations. To our surprise, and delight, it was the balance of the American Single Malt together with the American Light Whiskey and the straight bourbon that resulted in a flavor profile that makes it the perfect choice for a cigar pairing."

Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 is part of Penelope's annual Limited Releases – exclusive offerings featuring some of the rarest and more unique barrels, representing the pinnacle of blending innovation and barrel selection. Other Limited Releases include American Light Whiskey, F*ck Cancer and award-winning Toasted Rye. A product locator for the Penelope family of bourbons can be found here.

Fans can follow @penelope on Instagram for more information about Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 including where and when fans can meet the cigar blenders for special tastings and events.

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 Penelope Core Series expressions have won more than 40 spirits industry awards including double platinum at the 2024 ASCOT Awards and double gold at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for Barrel Strength. 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 and Instagram.

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 operates 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 El Mayor and Exotico. For more information, visit Luxco.com.

CONTACT:
Patrick Barry, BYRNE PR
314-540-3865
patrick@byrnepr.net 

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SOURCE Penelope Bourbon

FAQ

What is Penelope Bourbon's Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 and how much does it cost?

Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 is a limited-edition whiskey specifically crafted to pair with medium-bodied cigars, priced at $79.99 per 750mL bottle. It's a blend of Straight Bourbon, American Single Malt, and American Light Whiskey.

What is the availability of MGPI's Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1?

The release is limited to 7,500 cases and is available in select markets starting June 2025.

What are the tasting notes of Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1?

It features milk chocolate, vanilla, and candied apple on the nose, chocolate, dried peach, tobacco and warm caramel on the palate, with a finish of toffee, dark fruit, and light oak.

Who collaborated with Penelope Bourbon on the Cigar Sessions Chapter 1 blend?

The whiskey was crafted in collaboration with cigar blenders Cynn Coburn of Dissident Cigars and Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars.

What is the proof and mash bill of Penelope Cigar Sessions Chapter 1?

It's bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV) with a mash bill of 72% corn, 15% rye, and 13% malt, aged for six years.