It’s rare that an American spirit is imported from Europe. But, Pennypacker is made in Bardstown, KY and then sent to Germany for bottling, then sent back to the US for sale. How crazy is that? Nonetheless, Pennypacker is a well-balanced and interesting bourbon made from 70% corn and the balance from rye and malted barley. It is then aged for at least four years in new charred American oak before being brought down to 80 proof using Kentucky spring water.
The reason you may have never heard of Pennypacker until now is that it had been bottled for export for the past 40 years or so. Which also explains the hyper-American labeling. One glance of the bottle on a liquor store shelf in Western Europe, and you know this whiskey is from the good old U.S. of A.
Pennypacker Whiskey (80 proof)
Visual: New minted copper penny.
Nose: Spiced corn with a powerhouse of caramel and vanilla.
Taste: Nice and spicy with a good amount of heat. The aging is spot on, just hinting at a little too much wood.
Finish: Fairly short, with a residual spice towards the back of the palate.
Overall: The body is somewhat thin, but the flavor is quite good. A decent mid-shelf whiskey that can definitely compete with several of the more well-known bourbons. Good enough to drink straight or with a little water to open it up.
GSN Rating: B
For more information go to: Our Niche
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