Penelope 18 Year American Light Whiskey

Penelope 18-Year American Light Whiskey stands out as a rare, high-proof (140.2) limited release from Indiana's historic Seagram's distillery (now Ross & Squibb), distilled from a 99% corn mash bill and aged 18 years in second-fill oak barrels for an intense yet surprisingly smooth profile. Bursting with ripe stone fruit, strawberries and cream, vanilla frosting, butterscotch, and cinnamon spice on the nose and palate, it transitions to a lingering finish of charred oak, waffle cone, and light dry spice—delivering dessert-like sweetness and depth without overwhelming heat. Whiskey enthusiasts crave it for its bold experiment in aged light whiskey, offering a clean, complex twist on American classics that's a collector's gem.

Penelope 18 Year American Light Whiskey is distilled from a 99% corn, 1% malted barley mash bill at the historic Seagram’s (now Ross & Squibb) distillery in Indiana, then aged 18 years in second-fill oak barrels. This high-proof (140.2) limited 2026 release captures the clean, grain-forward essence of light whiskey—produced at over 160 proof and stored in used oak—delivering intense depth and maturity. Its rarity honors overlooked American whiskey treasures, blending sweetness with oak complexity.

Ripe stone fruit, strawberries and cream, honeycomb, butterscotch, and cake batter evoke sweet, nostalgic allure with hints of caramel popcorn and light oak.

Vanilla frosting, ripe summer berries, brown sugar, vanilla bean ice cream, and cinnamon cake create a creamy, dessert-like palate with faint baking spices and orchard fruit, surprisingly smooth despite the proof.

Cinnamon stick, charred oak, light butter, leather, waffle cone, and confectioner's sugar linger with dry spice and subtle oak influence.

This 18-year expression stands out as Penelope's oldest and highest-proof light whiskey, evolving their annual series with just a one-year age jump for exceptional balance. Second-fill aging unlocks dessert-like sweetness and clean corn character without heavy char, offering a unique profile distinct from bourbon yet familiar to enthusiasts. As a limited collector's gem, it showcases MGP's rare barrels in a bold, cask-strength format.

Sip neat or with a splash of water to tame its 140.2 proof heat and reveal layered sweetness; a large ice cube enhances the creamy vanilla and fruit notes. Perfect for highball twists with ginger ale to highlight spice, or pair with caramel desserts and aged cheeses. Share sparingly—its limited release demands savoring every pour.