Artfully Bourbon / November 4, 2026Penelope's latest Cooper Series release takes a simpler approach to finishing, pairing its Four Grain bourbon with Cognac casks at 99 proof.
Photo Credit: PenelopePenelope Bourbon has taken its Cooper Series in some interesting directions, from Brazilian oak and honey barrels to Caribbean rum and maple syrup casks. Its latest release, Madagascar, takes a more traditional approach with a Cognac cask finish.
Announced November 3, Madagascar starts with Penelope's Four Grain Straight Bourbon Whiskey and is finished in Cognac casks before being bottled at 99 proof. It carries a suggested retail price of $79.99.
Release Details
- Company: Sempreon Branded Spirits
- Brand: Penelope Bourbon
- Classification: Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Cognac Casks
- Mash Bill: 74% Corn, 16% Wheat, 7% Rye, 3% Malted Barley
- Proof: 99 (49.5% ABV)
- Age: No Age Statement
- Finish: Cognac Casks
- Release: Limited
- Availability: Online and select retailers nationwide
- MSRP: $79.99
A Different Direction for the Cooper Series
The Cooper Series has become Penelope's home for experimenting with barrel finishes. Previous releases include Rio, Havana and Riviera, each exploring different combinations of casks and flavors.
Madagascar keeps things relatively simple with a single Cognac cask finish. The goal is to introduce additional fruit and spice while preserving the familiar character of Penelope's bourbon.
Daniel Polise, Penelope's founder and master blender, explained that balance in the announcement:
"What I enjoy about cask finishing is seeing how different barrels can change a whiskey," Polise said. "With Madagascar, the Cognac casks brought out something fantastic."
He added that the team wanted the finish to add something new without taking away from the bourbon itself.
According to Penelope's official tasting notes, Madagascar opens with vanilla bean, brown sugar and candied citrus. Caramel, peanut, cinnamon and vanilla wafer follow on the palate, with candied fruit, light spice and marshmallow on the finish.
The release arrives ahead of the holiday season and is available online and through select retailers nationwide.
The AB take
The Cooper Series has been a little hit or miss for us, but that's also part of what makes it interesting. Penelope isn't afraid to experiment, even if the results don't always land the same way for everyone.
Madagascar has our attention. Cognac casks can bring some interesting fruit and richness to bourbon, and we're curious to see how that works with Penelope's four-grain recipe. At 99 proof, we're also hoping there's enough bourbon character to stand up to the finish.
We'll give Madagascar a full review when we get our hands on a bottle. Until then, we're interested in taking a trip to Madagascar.
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