Penelope 18 Year American Light Whiskey Review

Few things capture a whiskey enthusiast's attention faster than a big age statement and a proof north of 140. I think that's one of the biggest reasons American Light Whiskey (ALW) has gained so much attention over the last few years.

It also shouldn't come as much of a surprise that Penelope—having access to MGP stocks long before its acquisition—would eventually put some of that aged whiskey to good use.

I still remember tasting the inaugural release back in 2021. It didn't take long for me to decide I wanted a bottle of my own. Unfortunately, I never managed to track down the 13-year release, and the 15-year proved just as elusive.

Disappointing? Sure. But not discouraging.

At this point, Penelope's American Light Whiskey has become an annual release, and one thing I've learned over the years is that if I can't find a bottle myself, someone in one of the whiskey group chats or online communities usually can—or at the very least is willing to share a pour.

That's exactly how this review came to be.

Whiskey FAQ's

• Penelope Bourbon

• March 2026

• Age: 18 Years

• Proof: 140.2

• 99% Corn, 1% Malted Barley

• MSRP $100

  
  

Nose

Pear | Candy Corn| Fresh Berries| Light

Taste

Captain Crunch| Carrot Cake | Oak | Heavy

Finish

Blood Orange | Vanilla | Toasted Oak | Medium

Final Thoughts

Full disclosure: when I was taking these notes, I was surrounded by friends and enjoying the moment. There's a good chance this whiskey will always carry that memory with it, and honestly, I'm okay with that. Some bottles become memorable because of what's in the glass, while others become memorable because of who you shared them with. This one happened to be both.

That said, I still think this is an excellent American Light Whiskey. The depth of corn sweetness continues to evolve with every sip, revealing new layers the longer you sit with it. At 140 proof, I couldn't resist adding a few drops of water—something I don't always do during reviews, but it felt appropriate here.

The result was exactly what I hoped for. The oak stepped forward, the char became more defined, and it served as a reminder that beneath all that proof is still an 18-year-old whiskey. The water didn't tame it; it simply gave another side of the whiskey a chance to speak.

If Penelope's annual American Light Whiskey release wasn't already on your radar, it probably should be. I may have missed out on the 13- and 15-year releases, but after finally spending time with the 18-year, I'll be paying much closer attention when the next one arrives.

Recommendation

🟢 Buy